Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin said he got to know Mahathir closely during his time as Yang di-Pertuan Agong from 2001 to 2006.

Mahathir, who was with Barisan Nasional (BN) at the time, was Malaysia’s fourth prime minister. He stepped down as prime minister in 2003.

“In my opinion, the prime minister (Mahathir) will do what he says he is going to do.

“For example, he said he would step down as prime minister in 2003, and he kept his word,” Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin said in his speech at a state banquet in conjunction with his 75th birthday celebration at Istana Arau here.

The banquet was also attended by Raja Perempuan Perlis Tuanku Tengku Fauziah Tengku Abdul Rashid, Raja Muda Perlis Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail and Raja Puan Muda Perlis Tuanku Hajah Lailatul Shahreen Akashah Khalil.

Mahathir and his wife Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali were also present.

Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin said he also respected Mahathir’s decision to offer himself as the nation’s leader again to rectify Malaysia’s situation and move it towards a better future.

“I hail Tun for volunteering to put right the things that he thinks are wrong. Thank you, Tun, for leading the country again.”

He also wished Mahathir and Siti Hasmah a happy birthday. The couple celebrated their birthdays on July 10 and 12 respectively.

Mahathir led the Pakatan Harapan coalition to victory in the May 9 general election, putting an end to six decades of BN rule.

He was sworn in as Malaysia’s seventh prime minister the next day.