Former leader Dr Mahathir Mohamad said ex-deputy Anwar Ibrahim may see limited success in upcoming polls, but laughed off his chances of winning the vote as a "pipe dream."

Anwar, sacked as deputy prime minister in 1998 on charges of sodomy - later overturned - and corruption, is mounting a political comeback since being released from jail in 2004.

"He could win a few seats but if it's really making a comeback and taking over the government, that's a pipe dream," Mahathir told reporters.

Anwar, Mahathir's former heir apparent, plans to run for president of the opposition Parti Keadilan Rakyat next month ahead of expected early general elections.

However, as his corruption conviction still stands, he is barred from standing for public office until April 2008.

Dr M: Polls next year

"I think he's still interested in making a comeback and becoming a prime minister. Next year he will be eligible to contest, he will contest," said Mahathir.

The country must go to the polls by May 2009 but the opposition is preparing for an early election, which some members say could come as soon as October or June.

"I suspect there won't be general election until next year," said Mahathir.

Human rights groups maintain that allegations against Anwar were trumped up to prevent him from challenging Mahathir, who retired in October 2003.

The two men are currently embroiled in a libel lawsuit filed by Anwar against Mahathir after the former leader said he could not allow his deputy to become prime minister because he was a homosexual.