Dr Mahathir Mohamad celebrates his 90th birthday today and the former prime minister quipped that he never expected to be around this long.

"I am grateful I am able to celebrate my 90th birthday," he said, giving a broad a smile.

"This is something I never expected," he told Malaysiakini when met at the National Mosque in Kuala Lumpur this afternoon.

Asked what his birthday wish was, Mahathir replied: "If I am still able to move, I hope to continue being active in resolving the problems in the country."

Clad in a grey bush coat and donning a songkok, Mahathir was accompanied by his sons, Kedah Menteri Besar Mukhriz and Mokhzani, as well as two grandchildren.

As always, the former primeinister was a crowd puller. Mobbed by those present at the mosque, he shook their hands and posed for photographs, flashing smiles throughout.

Asked what he wished for Malaysians, Mahathir said: "I pray that everyone can celebrate their 90th birthday."

Mokhzani requested that Malaysiakini poses no political questions to respect the sanctity of the mosque and his father's birthday.

"Today is his birthday. So we do not want such questions," he said.

As Mahathir was about to leave the mosque in a black Jaguar car, a man prayed loudly for his good health and told the former prime minister that the people would always support him.

Mahathir is currently at the epicentre of a political storm involving Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

Following a damning report in The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), Najib blamed his former mentor-turned-nemesis of being the mastermind for his downfall.

The WSJ report said RM2.6 billion of 1MDB-linked funds were transferred into Najib's personal bank accounts.

Mahathir has repeatedly called for Najib's resignation, warning that the ruling coalition would be defeated in the next general election, should the Najib continue to head the BN government.

Related reports

Public: We want PM on leave, we don't trust task force

Siti Hasmah: I pray my husband finishes his struggle

PAC to summon Jho Low

Rosmah-like claim 'unthinkable in the past'

Fissures appear in Umno as crisis deepens

Najib: Stop slander and hate in this holy month

IGP urged to quit 1MDB probe for transparency

Tail on Jho Low over another RM1.9b

Bonds falling as 1MDB probe hurts sentiment

Fear not, ministers will ensure task force does its job

Source: Audit team finds directors not consulted

Task force or ‘forced task’?