VOXPOP | Even at the age of 92, Dr Mahathir Mohamad is still crisscrossing the country for speaking engagements as the head of Pakatan Harapan.

However, he has missed two events of late, sparking concern among some Harapan supporters about the state of his health.

Mahathir was supposed to headline fundraising dinners in Temerloh and Kluang last Friday and Saturday. However, he had to give both events a miss due to flu.

Some of Harapan supporters met at the Kluang event said they were disappointed that they could not see Mahathir in the flesh, but hoped he would remain healthy to lead the opposition.

L Moorthy, 54 (photo), said has supported Mahathir for three decades and is deeply concerned with the latter's health condition.

"I am worried. After all, he just turned 92. I want him to take care of himself," he said.

Dr M's endearing record

Moorthy said he would pray for Mahathir's well-being because he was needed by the country once again.

"I once supported BN because of Mahathir. I had voted for the BN five times.

"Now, there are many issues in the country and we are suffering as a consequence," said Moorthy, a transport operator who made up his mind to support the opposition only recently.

According to Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) member Mustafa Adenan (photo), his fellow party activists often expressed concern about Mahathir's health condition.

"We often chat about it and hope that he will stay with us until after the general election," said the 56-year-old fertilizer trader.

Mustafa believes that Mahathir is the only leader capable of rehabilitating the economy, given his track record in dealing with depreciation of ringgit.

"He is my idol. He is the only one who can improve the country's economy," he said.

At least he didn't tax us

On ongoing attempts to discredit Mahathir by drawing attention to his children's wealth, Mustafa said this was the "norm" in Malaysia.

"Anyone who becomes the prime minister will help his family members, but he has never burdened the people with taxes and price hikes," he said.

He believes that even if Mahathir were to call it a day, other Bersatu leaders such as Muhyiddin Yassin and Mukhriz Mahathir would be able to continue the struggle.

Manfred Yap, 27, likened Mahathir as the spiritual leader of the opposition.

However, Yap believes the elder will be fit enough to lead the opposition during the coming general election.

Dr M is a doctor

DAP member Kevin Chia said the supporters need not be too worried about Mahathir's health.

"As a medical doctor, I am sure he knows how to maintain his health. He has his own family doctor who keeps track of his health condition," Chia (photo) said.

It is normal that Mahathir, who had worked hard to campaign for the opposition in the rural constituencies, to fall ill.

"He is touring the country at present. So it is normal that (he's sick). Don't be too anxious and worried.

"He appeared in a pre-recorded video (that was screened during the dinner). He looked okay. So, he can lead the opposition's attempt to change the government," Chia added.