Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has confirmed that the soon to be formed political party will be launched soon.

“It won’t be long from now,” he told reporters at the sidelines of his wife Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali's book launch in Seputeh today.

The nonagenarian merely nodded when asked whether the party would be launched in the next one or two weeks’ time.

Mahathir, last week, confirmed that the new party will be formed and that a new group or coalition would also be formed to further the Save Malaysia movement’s objectives.

Asked on further developments with regard to the new party, Mahathir said he was not supposed to talk about it as complete agreement had yet to be reached among the sponsors.

"After I have met the people, then I will be free to talk, but the fact is that we have decided that we should form a party," he said.

Mahathir said details in relation to the party lineup would be announced as soon as the party is formalised.

Criticisms brushed aside

Meanwhile, Mahathir merely brushed aside the various criticisms made against the new party.

“They can say what they like, they can say I'm senile and all that, that's all right.

“That's normal for people who are worried, they have to demonise their opponents. So it’s okay,” he said.

On claims that the new party would split the opposition votes, Mahathir said he did not know if this would happen.

“Of course people who are not happy about what we are doing will try and make our efforts look stupid, silly, (that we are) just disaffected people."

Thus far, Mahathir said many had expressed their support to him but ultimately, what mattered was whether they would join him when the party was formed.

“Being members of the party – that’s what's important. We hope the citizens, the rakyat will join us,” he said.