Bersatu chairperson Dr Mahathir Mohamad does not want an elaborate welcome when he visits Padang Rengas, the stronghold of Umno supreme council member Nazri Abdul Aziz, next weekend.

Nazri, the Padang Rengas MP for five terms now, had previously stated that he would "roll out the red carpet" for Mahathir's visit on March 25.

To this, Mahathir said there was no need for Nazri, the tourism and culture minister, to go out of his way.

"I think there is no need to spend money for that purpose. I can even walk on mud.

"I am not from a privileged background. I came from a commoner's background, one who is used to walk around barefoot, so there is no need for a red carpet," he told reporters in Putrajaya today.

Instead, Mahathir suggested Nazri should use the money for other purposes.

Dr M not contesting in Langkawi

In another development, Mahathir said he would not be standing as an election candidate for the Langkawi parliamentary seat, but his invitation to Nazri for a public debate was still open.

"I do not want to contest. If he (Nazri) wants to hold a public discussion with me, go ahead.

"We can discuss 1MDB, RM2.6 billion (donation controversy) and the Bumiputera Malaysia Finance scandal," said Mahathir, who previously said he has no intention to contest in the next general election. 

Talk about Mahathir's candidacy surfaced after Nazri challenged the former prime minister or Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin to stand as a candidate in Padang Rengas.

Mahathir retorted by urging Nazri to stand for the election in Langkawi. Mahathir is currently the Langkawi Bersatu division head.