BANGI: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad today said he is willing to become prime minister for the third time if there is no suitable candidate to assume the position.

The Gerakan Tanah Air (GTA) chairman said he would serve as the prime minister for only one year and not for the full term, if he was chosen as PM.

"If people keep insisting (becoming the prime minister again), it is difficult for me to think about my own interest.

"However, if there is no suitable candidates and people keep insisting, I will accept it.  

"But I will not serve the position for five years... perhaps only one year," the Parti Pejuang Tanah Air (Pejuang) chairman said during Hard Talk with Dr Mahathir session here today.

Dr Mahathir, who is the Langkawi member of Parliament, was responding to a question from the moderator of the session who asked if he was willing to become the prime minister for the third time.

The former prime minister, however, said he would prefer to "rest" instead of directly being involved in the country's politics.

"Although I prefer to rest, I will continue to play my role as a (point of) 'reference' or advising others (on matters affecting the country)," he said.