Without mentioning PKR and DAP, Dr Mahathir Mohamad said some "people" have caused the Selangor sultan to overstep his role in the menteri besar imbroglio.    

"Yes, the monarchy looked as if he overstepped (the line), but it is the people who caused this to happen.

"If they had come with a proper nomination (for the MB post), with one person who is fully backed by everyone or majority, then the monarchy would have to accept," he said.

The former premier was responding to a question on whether there is cause for concern that the sultan chose his own candidate for the post.

While PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, who was PKR and DAP's sole nominee for the post, had 30 of the 56 assemblypersons' support, PAS, however remained divided on this.

As for the newly-minted menteri besar, Mahathir said Azmin Ali would be "less of a remote-controlled MB" compared to Wan Azizah, who is the wife of Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim.

"Be on your own,"  he said, when asked what was his advice for Azmin.

He said Azmin could only perform as menteri besar if he choose not to listen to instrcutions from elsewhere.

This was an obvious call on the menteri besar not to be influenced by Anwar.

Meanwhile, when asked Mahathir expressed pessimism over former Selangor menteri besar Abdul Khalid's ability if he is appointed Malaysia Airlines CEO.

This follows suggestions that Khalid, a former corporate figure, be roped into the ailing airline to turn around its fortune.
　
"I don't know if he is conversant in managing an airline," he replied.
　
"Airline is a very special business and if you don't know how to manage, it is going to fail," he said.

Universiti Malaya political analyst Mohammad Tawfik Yaakub reportedly opined that Khalid is the best person to helm MAS and return it to is glory.