Former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad was approached by reporters while having lunch at the Renaissance Hotel in Kota Bahru, Kelantan.

Responding to questions, Mahathir said he will not be deterred by the attack on him this morning. He added that 'desperate people' were responsible for the incident.

The former premier also continued his criticism against the current administration.

Have you experienced something like this (the attack) before?

Mahathir: Never. First time experience [...] Itulah orang desperate (These are desperate people). Tak mau dengar apa yang saya cakap (They don't want to hear what I have to say)

Were you shocked?

Well I have never experienced this before. I knew there were some plans to prevent me from speaking. I'm not allowed to speak to Umno people at all [...] But this I think is a sense of desperation. They have a lot to hide. That is why they don't want to hear.

If there is nothing to hide, they can always explain. But it is clear they are desperate enough to use physical means.

Will you continue...

They have a lot to hide. They don't want people to speak, they don't want people to listen. I will continue. I don't give up easily.

Is this the work of 'government people'?

I don't know who, but whoever did it, tried to prevent me from talking. May be it's those people I have been accusing.

These people were responsible for what happened earlier?

We cannot say who was responsible, but the bottom line is, even if you want to stop me, this is not the way. We are not a violent country. If they don't want to listen, then don't listen. If they want to put up banners, go ahead.

On Umno?

I'm an Umno man. I support Umno strongly. But today, the leadership is what is wrong. One must remember that Umno had got rid of leaders who somehow did not adhere to Umno's principles...Dato Onn (Jaffar), Tunku Abdul Rahman, they did great service, then they do something that is against Umno's struggle.

Do you feel unappreciated?

[...] It's ok if they don't appreciate me but don't do things that will ruin Umno, the people and the country [...]

There are those who accuse you of destroying the unity in Umno

Unity in Umno has a specific direction, the direction is to champion the party's ambitions. In Umno, it is normal for leaders to have differences. I was challenged by Tengku Razaleigh (Hamzah). I was challenged by Anwar (Ibrahim), of course Umno breaks up but in the end, Umno will reunite to fight for the Malays, the Muslims and the nation. I am worried if Umno is united for something bad, that I will oppose, unite for something good.

You said Umno members must speak at the proper forum but now you speak outside the party

I am not talking outside of the party, I want to talk inside the party, but they don't allow me to do so.

If Umno gives you a chance to talk, will you change your approach?

Give me a chance to talk, but this does not mean I cannot talk to others. Tengku Razaleigh was free to campaign here and there then. For me it was nothing. Anwar also campaigned outside of Umno.

Are there evidence that the prime minister gave contracts to his family members?

There are evidence in the newspapers. For example Scomi (owned by Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's son Kamaluddin) gets contracts. ECM-Libra (linked to Abdullah's son-in-law Khairy Jamaluddin). The finance minister (Abdullah) should not give things to his son-in-law. I was the prime minister for the country not for my family.