SABAK BERNAM, June 10 ― Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad will not be restricted from campaigning for Pakatan Harapan in the by-election here, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said today.

Zahid said it was the former prime minister's prerogative to decide whom he wished to support.

“This is a democratic country… he is free to do what he wants.

“Besides, Tun (Dr Mahathir) is no longer an Umno member,” he told a news conference at the district's police headquarters.

Dr Mahathir, who initiated the “Save Malaysia” movement that calls for the ouster of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, is expected to visit nearby Sekinchan tomorrow morning to address the voters there.

He will deliver his keynote speech during a talk entitled “1MDB and Najib's 'donation': Storm in a tea cup or the straw will break the camel's back?” at a restaurant together with several Pakatan Harapan leaders.

Dr Mahathir is also scheduled to deliver a similar keynote in Kuala Kangsar on Sunday.

The former prime minister is urging voters to reject Barisan Nasional to indicate their disapproval of the Najib administration.

In Sungai Besar, Barisan Nasional's Budiman Mohd Zohdi takes on PAS's Dr Abdul Rani Osman and Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) in the June 18.