ALOR STAR: While no official decision has been announced as yet, Pakatan Harapan chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has been long touted to be contesting in Langkawi in the 14th general election (GE14), as it is said to be the most appropriate.
A Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) source confirmed that the matter was discussed by the party leadership but no official decision has been reached as yet.
"Yes, Langkawi is indeed the most ideal seat for Tun Mahathir to contest but there is no official decision as yet despite the fact that it has been deliberated by the party leadership.
"Perhaps he will make an official announcement soon.
"According to the initial plan, the PPBM candidates list for all Parliamentary seats will be announced by the national leadership," said the source, when asked to comment on a report that Dr Mahathir has been confirmed to contest in Langkawi.
Meanwhile, another source in the party did not rule out the possibility that Dr Mahathir will make an announcement when he visits Langkawi this weekend.
"Dr Mahathir will attend a programme at Bukit Tangga in Kubang Pasu Parliament constituency this Friday evening before heading to Langkawi the next day.
"Maybe he would make announcement when he is there in Langkawi," said the source.
Prior to this, it was speculated that Dr Mahathir has also considered Kubang Pasu, his former seat when he served as the prime minister for 22 years, or Putrajaya, the Federal government administrative centre.
A news portal today reported that Dr Mahathir has been confirmed to contest in Langkawi.
The seat is currently held by Datuk Ir Nawawi Ahmad, who is also the chairman of Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB).
Nawawi, who is also Langkawi Umno division chief defeated PKR candidate Ahmad Abdullah and Independent candidate Marina Hussein, with majority 11,861 votes in the previous general election five years ago.