Former political aide Saiful Bukhari Azlan said he felt sad when Dr Mahathir Mohamad expressed support for PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim's release from prison.

"It is a bit touchy for me. I was a bit sad when he did that," Saiful told Malaysiakini on the sidelines of the Umno general assembly where he was operating a booth selling textile products.

Anwar is currently serving a five-year jail sentence after he was convicted last year for sodomising Saiful, his former aide, in 2008.

Despite Mahathir's backing for Anwar, Saiful appeared somewhat vindicated.

"He didn't say that (the allegations against Anwar) were not true. He just wants to him (Anwar) freed.

"You see, in politics, they like to spin their words to justify their actions.

"He didn't say Anwar was not guilty. He just said that he wants (Anwar) freed to 'save Malaysia'," Saiful said.

He was referring to Mahathir's appearance at the Pakatan Harapan national convention on Nov 12.

During the event, Mahathir was spotted wearing a button badge with the words "Free Anwar".

Mahathir also made an appearance in court to show support for Anwar's suit against the government.