Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has “pleaded” for Umno to contest in the upcoming Tanjung Piai by-election.

With his trademark sarcasm, he said this is so that the Pakatan Harapan candidate could win the by-election.

“We have discussed Tanjung Piai. There are many problems there. We are also of the opinion that we would have to depend on our opponent to win (the by-election).

“That is, we ask that they place a candidate from Umno. Please lah, so we can win,” Mahathir told a press conference in Putrajaya on Monday after chairing a Harapan presidential council meeting, prompting laughter from the reporters present.