Parti Bersatu Sabah founder Joseph Pairin Kitingan said today the people of Sabah would be in for “a long drought” if Dr Mahathir Mohamad becomes the prime minister again.

Pairin, who is Sabah deputy chief minister, said Sabahans had experienced the rule of Mahathir for 22 years when he was the prime minister from 1981 to 2003.

He was commenting on Pakatan Harapan's decision to name Mahathir as the candidate for prime minister if the opposition pact wins the next general election.

“Everyone knows who Mahathir is. He has acknowledged many weaknesses and mistakes and has sought forgiveness from the people.

“If he has stated so, is it logical for us to accept him as the prime minister again? Certainly not,” he said.

Pairin spoke to reporters after a groundbreaking for the Tawau Phase Three water supply scheme, which also involves the construction of the first multi-purpose water dam in Sabah.

- Bernama