Khairuddin Abu Hassan said others, therefore, should not concern themselves with the party’s choice.

“Why shouldn’t we nominate Mahathir?” the party’s Federal Territories chief asked, pointing out that the former prime minister was more than qualified to return as prime minister for the third time.

“He possesses more skills and knowledge compared with other leaders in the country.

“The abilities of Anwar Ibrahim, Najib Razak, Muhyiddin Yassin and others cannot be compared with Mahathir’s,” he said, referring to the PKR president and two former prime ministers.

Khairuddin also noted that Mahathir had never wavered in his fight to uphold the truth.

He said if Mahathir, 97, served for at least one year, he would be able to draw up a “master plan” to solve the country’s problems.

“His vast experience will help build a new Malaysia. There is no better person.”

Last month, Mahathir said he was willing to consider contesting in GE15 to defend his Langkawi parliamentary seat if there were no suitable candidates to contest the seat.

However, in March, Mahathir said he had decided not to defend his Langkawi parliamentary seat in GE15, citing his poor health and age.