NO HOLDS BARRED: Tun Dr Mahathir at the launch of his book yesterday. He raised the spectre of vote-buying by the government. -- PHOTO: AFP

Tun Dr Mahathir, who stepped down in 2003 after two decades in power, echoed analysts' views that the ruling coalition is headed for losses at the polls, expected to be held in March.

He also criticised its decision to jail ethnic Indian protesters, saying the minority community had no way of airing its grievances.

In an interview with foreign news agencies to mark the launch of a book on his correspondence with world leaders, he said the ruling United Malays National Organisation (Umno) would still lead the Barisan Nasional coalition.

'Even if (Umno) lose 20, 30 of their candidates, the Barisan Nasional is going to win,' he said. 'It will give a much truer picture of the support that the government gets, but I fear corruption of the voters.

'I hope that this kind of money politics - I know a lot of people are collecting a lot of money now - if they use money politics, the result may not reflect the true feelings of the people.'

Tun Dr Mahathir said he will remain a thorn in the side of his successor, Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi.

'I still disagree with several of his policies, mainly allowing Malaysians to be subject to Singapore's wishes,' the 82-year-old former premier said.

Tun Dr Mahathir was critical of his successor's jailing of five ethnic Indian activists under a draconian internal security law.

The leaders of the Hindu Rights Action Force infuriated the government in November by leading thousands of people onto the capital's streets.

'No, I don't think they should have thrown the leaders (into detention), they should have met these people first and had proper discussion,' Tun Dr Mahathir said.

On his former deputy Anwar Ibrahim, he said: 'If he thinks he is going to be the prime minister, he is daydreaming.'

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE