Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar today ruled out the possibility of Malaysia proposing outgoing Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad for the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) secretary-general post.

However, he said the country will propose a candidate to replace incumbent Abdelouahed Belkeziz, when he leaves office next year.

Remaining tightlipped on the identity, the minister told Bernama that the candidate would be "experienced and qualified".

"Malaysia will propose a candidate for the OIC post when the current secretary-general's term expires next year," he said.

Asked if the candidate could be a "former prime minister", Syed Hamid dismissed this possibility.

Respect and goodwill

There have been speculation that Mahathir would be offered the post due to the respect and goodwill that he enjoys in the Islamic world.

The 76-year-old premier will step down on Oct 31 after helming the country for 22 years. He will be replaced by Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

The OIC summit from Oct 16-18 in Putrajaya will be the veteran statesman's last meeting as prime minister.

During the three-day meet, OIC foreign ministers will discuss the issue of the secretary-general's post, which is decided on the basis of consensus among member countries.

Bangladesh has offered Prime Minister Khaleda Zia's parliamentary secretary, Salauddin Quader Chowdhury, for the post.

Chowdhury has been seeking the support of Arab countries, but there have been some voices of opposition to his candidacy within Bangladesh over his past political career.