Supporters of former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad have formed a coalition called Gen M or Generation Mahathir.

On their website , the members call themselves 'the inheritors of an unfinished struggle'. The website also contains numerous photographs and articles regarding the former premier.

Also available are T-shirts and bumper stickers in support of Mahathir.

According to a notice posted on the website, Gen M is planning to hold a welcoming ceremony for Mahathir at the Subang airport on July 20.

The former premier is currently on vacation in the Mediterranean with family members and close friend, business tycoon T Ananda Krishnan.

When contacted, a Gen M spokesperson, who declined to be named, said the coalition has 470 members and a great number of supporters.

The members comprise Umno supporters, university students and representatives of non-governmental organisations.

"It is not wrong for us or anyone for that matter to welcome the return of a leader who has contributed immensely to this country," he told malaysiakini .

He said the welcoming ceremony was not sponsored by any party with political motives. "This is our own effort to honour a great leader," he stressed.

He also called on all those who supported Mahathir to be present at the event scheduled for 8pm.

Explain to the people

Apart from this, he said Gen M also plans to hold events to explain to the public the current issues involving Mahathir.

"We will distribute pamphlets to the people so that they can have a clearer understanding of the issues," he added.

He said they have identified several parliamentary constituencies where these 'information' events will be held.

The spokesperson also said if the 'Mahathir crisis' dragged on, Gen M could be registered as a non-governmental organisation in order for it to operate more effectively.

The former premier is currently embroiled in a war of words with the current administration over several issues.

Mahathir had criticised Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's government over the decision to scrap the half-bridge project, matters concerning national car manufacturer Proton and the issuance of Approved Permits.

While claiming it was not personal, Mahathir had on one occasion wondered aloud if he made the wrong choice in naming Abdullah as his successor.

Abdullah has chosen to remain silent over the criticisms but several leaders had lambasted Mahathir for allegedly attempting to undermine Umno and the government.

Mahathir had always maintained that Abdullah was surrounded by bad advisers, which observers believe was directed at the premier's son-in-law Khairy Jamaluddin.

Recently, Mahathir's former political secretary Matthias Chang had called on Abdullah to respond to the rumours that Khairy was the country's de facto prime minister.

Function cancelled

In another development, the Kelantan branch of the Barisan Nasional ex-people's representatives association (Mubarak) has cancelled a function with Mahathir scheduled for the end of this month.

The government is said to be worried that Mahathir would use the occasion to lash out at his hand-picked successor again.

According to Kelantan people's action committee (MBRK) chairperson Ibrahim Ali, the function was called off due to 'political pressures'.

Asked if MBRK would consider hosting the event, he replied: "Let's wait for Mahathir to return."

Ibrahim also asked why certain quarters must be afraid of Mahathir's visit. "Those abroad are clamouring to invite him to their talks but locally we stop him," he said.