Not PM but still sought after, 'elated' Dr M quips at Russian event

Summary

• Mahathir attends a Russian National Day event in Kuala Lumpur and receives significant attention.

• The Russian ambassador highlights the strong and cooperative relationship between Russia and Malaysia.

• Recent visits to Russia by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim were noted as having boosted bilateral ties.

A long line of guests queued up to greet Dr Mahathir Mohamad at the Russia National Day celebration in Kuala Lumpur today, with many taking the opportunity to snap photos and extend well wishes ahead of his 100th birthday next month.

The former prime minister and his wife, Dr Siti Hasmah Ali, were among the guests of honour invited by the Russian ambassador to Malaysia, NM Latypov, who hosted the event.

Asked why people still flocked to events to meet him, Mahathir cheekily stated he was still popular despite not running the government.

“Thank you, there are always people who want to take photos with me.

“I’m no longer the prime minister, but they still want to take photos,” Mahathir quipped to Malaysiakini, in between live performances of Russian cultural dances on stage.

In his opening speech, Latypov hailed Malaysia as a “longstanding, reliable, and valued” partner of Russia, both in Southeast Asia and beyond.

“Our cooperation is grounded in mutual respect and shared benefit. We consistently seek to understand one another’s perspectives and to act as true partners.

“Our leaders’ exchanges on regional and international matters have shown that the positions of Russia and Malaysia are closely aligned,” he said.

“Both of our countries are firm in upholding the principles of international law, sovereignty, and non-interference in internal affairs.

“We also coordinate effectively at multilateral platforms, including the United Nations,” Latypov added.

Fresh momentum

He said bilateral ties have gained fresh momentum following two recent visits to Russia by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and his discussions with President Vladimir Putin.

“Our cooperation spans a wide range of areas – from trade, investment, and energy, to tourism, education, and cultural and humanitarian exchange.

“It is my hope that the motion along this trend will accelerate further, bringing more benefits to our nations,” he added.

Among those present at the event were Anwar’s senior political secretary Shamsul Iskandar Md Akin, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Mohamad Sabu, and Plantation and Commodities Minister Johari Abdul Ghani.

In 2019, Mahathir dismissed Russia’s involvement in downing Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 despite a multinational Dutch-led Joint Investigative Team finding Moscow’s link to the tragedy.

Anwar echoed similar sentiments during his visit to Moscow last month, adding that Russia called for a thorough, comprehensive, and non-politicised investigation into the downing of MH17.

'Malay umbrella': Opposition needs fresh idea to beat Anwar - Zaid

Dr M to launch big umbrella to 'save Malays' - with PN at his side

Mahathir: First thing I'll do if ever become PM again is abolish 3R

Dr M whips up memories of 'rotan' on Teachers' Day