Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has predicted that the six-decade-long rule of BN may be finally nearing its end.

"We think the sentiment on the ground is so strong that we will get the support of the majority of the people," he told Bloomberg in an interview.

"Everybody you talk to today, anybody at all, none have good words for the government, especially for (Prime Minister) Najib (Abdul Razak)," added the Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) chairperson.

Besides harping on the 1MDB scandal, opposition groups are also banking on the fact that rising costs of living would also undermine support for Najib.

Mahathir said an opposition victory could also see the unpopular goods and services tax (GST) reduced from six percent.

However, he added, the GST would not be abolished as "that may cause some problem with government financing", but non-essential projects could be cancelled.

On Jan 14, Mahathir was reported by Malay Mail Online as saying the opposition would gradually repeal the controversial GST if it is elected.

Pakatan Harapan has reportedly pledged to scrap the GST if it takes over Putrajaya.

The ruling coalition has to call for the next general election, the 14th for the country, by August 2018 at the latest. Speculation has been rife that Najib could opt for a snap election this year.

Mahathir also said that the failure to include PAS into the Harapan coalition would boost Najib's alliance.

"We will consider anybody else contesting as being supporters of Najib, supporters of BN. Because the effect would be to reduce votes going for the coalition, split the votes of the opposition, which in case will of course help Najib to win," he added.

Mahathir said the opposition has not decided on who would be prime minister, should it win, and refused to name potential candidates.

The former premier said the issue was a divisive one and "not relevant unless you win".

Mahathir also hoped that the opposition would have a "good margin" of victory that would translate into a "good, strong government".