Speaking in an interview, Zaid acknowledged that the task would be a big challenge to Mahathir, but he said all concerned Malaysians should place their trust in the country’s longest-serving prime minister.

“He doesn’t want to be the PM any more,” he said. “So let’s give him a chance to form a new team.”

He also said Mahathir must not exclude representatives from the opposition parties and NGOs such as Bersih and those representing “progressive moderate” Islam.

“And don’t forget Anwar Ibrahim’s supporters,” he added.

Zaid acknowledged that Mahathir came from a different era, but he said this didn’t mean that he could not understand the current political situation.

Should everyone continue to be sceptical of Mahathir, he added, the dream of getting all political leaders to work together would not come true.

“If we keep rejecting people, it will be difficult for us to reach a consensus and form a leadership.”

Zaid recently announced that he would hold a gathering on March 27 for political leaders wishing to “save Malaysia” from the allegedly destructive governance of the current regime.

He confirmed today that both Mahathir and sacked deputy prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin would give speeches at the gathering.