Age is just a number. The former prime minister of Malaysia, Mahathir Mohamad, is proving this. Mr Mahathir is pushing back the years and running for office again at the age of 97. He has been the country's leader twice before. The first time was for 22 years, between 1981 and 2003. Mahathir has announced he will run for parliament in his country's upcoming election. He did not tell journalists whether or not he wants the top job again. He said: "We have not decided who will be prime minister because the prime minister candidate is only relevant if we win."

Mahathir Mohamad has been ever-present in Malaysian politics. He became a member of parliament in 1964. He is regarded as being a visionary for improving his country's economy. He led Malaysia's rapid economic transformation throughout the 1980s. His run for parliament means it will be his 11th election campaign. Many commentators have their doubts about Mahathir's chances of success because of his recent ill health. He has a history of heart trouble. He has had several heart attacks and quadruple bypass surgery. He left hospital last month after contracting Covid-19.