97-year-old Mahathir to defend Langkawi seat in GE15

Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, 97, has declared that he will be defending his Langkawi seat in the upcoming 15th general election (GE15).

He revealed this at a press conference at the Perdana Leadership Foundation in Putrajaya today.

At the same press conference, Mahathir said that while he will be setting out to defend his Langkawi seat, he will not be Pejuang’s prime ministerial candidate.

“(Pejuang has) decided that the Langkawi seat will be contested by Mahathir but he isn’t the prime minister candidate," said Mahathir wryly.

"We haven’t determined who will be our prime minister candidate because this matter is only relevant if we win the election.

“Otherwise, it will be irrelevant,” he added.

When asked whether he would contest in general elections following GE15, he quipped: “I won’t be around for GE16.”

Using Pejuang logo and banner

Mahathir, who had led Bersatu for roughly four years, is now heading Malay-based Pejuang and the Gerakan Tanah Air (GTA) coalition.

Previously, the former primer minister had repeatedly shot down the possibility of his Langkawi candidacy in GE15.

Mahathir, however, noted that GTA’s application to be registered had yet to be approved by the government.

“GTA will not be able to contest as GTA. Because of this, we decided today we will be contesting as Pejuang, under the party’s symbol and banner,” he said, adding that those who agreed to stand as GTA candidates will also use the Pejuang logo.

This is with the exception of Kelantan - where Parti Putra will be the only GTA party fielding candidates in the state. Putra candidates in other states will use Pejuang’s banner.

Further, the Pejuang man said that the party will attempt to ensure at least 30 percent of election candidates would be female.

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