Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said today that his credibility would be at stake if he reneged on his promise to step down in October.

"If I don't step down, I will lose credibility. If I lose credibility, I would be of no use to anyone," he told reporters after opening the 7th World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention in Kuala Lumpur this morning.

According to a Bernama report, Mahathir reiterated his stance to step down as planned even if there is an earnest request for him to stay on.


"I am much flattered that people should want me to continue. I have made an announcement to step down. And I will no longer be prime minister in three months time," he said.

Opinion and advice

Mahathir said this in response to a query on whether he would reconsider his decision to resign as premier if there is a popular and earnest request for him to continue to lead the country.

Mahathir had earlier said he would be stepping down after the October 2003 OIC Summit.

On whether he would continue to lend support to Asian leaders after his resignation, Mahathir said: "I would not be able to direct things when I am not the prime minister.

"But I can talk or give my opinion or advice on how Asian countries can exert its influence over the world .. that's all I can do".

He said he hoped to maintain his friendship with other Asian leaders.