Johor Bersatu picks full term for Dr M over 'personal political interest'

The call for Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad to serve out his full term continues to gather momentum.

The latest to join the bandwagon is Johor Bersatu.

Its chairperson Mazlan Bujang said if the 94-year-old leader remained at the helm, it would prove to be beneficial to both the people and Malaysia.

"I hope the (country's) leaders will love the country more than political self-interest," he added in a statement this afternoon.

Previously, Bersatu's assemblypersons in Selangor had also voiced support for Mahathir to complete his full term in office.

Ironically, it was the opposition alliance of Umno and PAS which started the ball rolling in declaring their support for Mahathir, who is also Bersatu chairperson, to be prime minister for the full term.

Soon after this, PKR deputy president Azmin Ali also backed the proposal.

Yesterday, Mahathir reiterated his promise to step down within two or three years “unless they push me to the corner and put a gun on my head to continue.”

On Tuesday night, the premier also met with opposition leaders from Umno, PAS and Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).

The Star reported that a senior cabinet minister was also present at the meeting but Mahathir was tightlipped on whether it was Azmin.

Meanwhile, Azmin told reporters earlier today that he had no knowledge of the meeting.

Speculation has been rife that Mahathir prefers Azmin to succeed him despite and earlier agreement that the baton would be passed to PKR president Anwar Ibrahim