KUALA LUMPUR: Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad today dismissed claims he is trying to make a comeback in Putrajaya by proposing the formation of the National Operations Council, better known in its Bahasa Malaysia abbreviation, Majlis Gerakan Negara (Mageran).
The nonagenarian said he was not interested in becoming the prime minister for the third time, adding that the Mageran idea was solely for the sake of the nation and its people.
"I've been the prime minister for 22 years and again for 22 months and that is enough. What other high up position could I be eyeing at anyway?
"All I am saying is make use of all the experience I have had throughout the years. I've handled financial and political crises as well as attacks on our currency.
"I won't be around long, who knows if I get to reach 100 years old but I love this country very much and I do possess the experience needed in times of crises, so make use of it," he said in an interview with local daily Sinar Harian today.
On June 10, Dr Mahathir had an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong where the former suggested the formation of Mageran to the king.
He said Mageran could potentially steer the country in the right direction and help solve the health, economic and social issues currently plaguing the country.
Dr Mahathir who is Langkawi member of parliament said he will not take it to heart if he was not chosen to be part of the Mageran, should the formation of the council happen.
"You can reject me, that is not a problem. I just want to say that I am ever ready to provide my services to my country," he said.