There is a Malay proverb “tua-tua kelapa, makin menjadi” which uses a coconut to illustrate how a person becomes more knowledgeable and useful with age.

And this is how Abdul Hadi Awang feels about Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who will turn 95 next year.

Express his admiration on Twitter, the PAS president said: “To save Malaysia, I see Tun M (Mahathir) becoming better with age, proven to be experienced. Can't be sure of others (having the same experience).”

Met in Parliament later, Hadi reiterated his stand, saying PAS would continue to support Mahathir's leadership.

“Our stand is that Mahathir should be the prime minister until the end of his term. Although during the previous general election, I had said he should help look after the 1Malaysia clinics.

“But he seems to have become better with age. 'Tua-tua kelapa', the older he gets, the better to save the nation. Mahathir has shown proof of this, we can't be sure of the rest,” he added.

The Marang MP guaranteed that all 18 PAS MPs would back a motion of confidence for Mahathir to continue as prime minister if it is tabled in the Dewan Rakyat.

“All 18 of our MPs are unanimous in their support for the prime minister,” he added.

Following Pakatan Harapan's crushing defeat in last Saturday's Tanjung Piai by-election, pressure mounted on Mahathir to step down and pass the baton to his designated successor, PKR president Anwar Ibrahim.

This morning, Anwar said contrary to speculation, Harapan never discussed raising a no-confidence vote against Mahathir.

"It was never raised. If there was, it cannot be that I don't know.

“I've been in touch with (Bersatu president) Muhyiddin Yassin, (Amanah president) Mat Sabu (Mohamad Sabu), (DAP leaders) Lim Kit Siang and Guan Eng almost on a daily basis and it was never raised," he added.

Meanwhile, Hadi refused to be drawn into the speculation surrounding PKR deputy president Azmin Ali's meeting with Umno lawmakers on Monday night.

Pressed on the matter, he said the move was akin to being envious of each other.

“I think it is like being jealous of each other. Trust for one another is important. However, each party can resolve (the problem) in their respective party,” he added.