Former Malay PM Mahathir to contest elections

Malaysia's nonagenarian former leader Mahathir Mohamad announced Tuesday he will contest general elections expected next month, and warned that a win by the ruling Malay party could see imprisoned ex-Prime Minister Najib Razak pardoned and let off the hook.

At 97, and despite a health scare this year, Mahathir said he will remain the candidate for his current parliamentary constituency in Langkawi Island. The Election Commission is to fix a date within the week for a vote, which must be held within 60 days from Parliament's dissolution. Mahathir was an UMNO premier for 22 years until his retirement in 2003.