PETALING JAYA, May 11 — Newly-minted Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said today he will stay on in government as long as his experience is needed.

"I have some experience the government may need, so I will stay as long as my experience is needed,” said Dr Mahathir when asked by the media what would be his maximum tenure as prime minister before he hands over the post to Pakatan Harapan’s PM-in-waiting candidate Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Anwar is currently in prison over a sodomy charge, which he has repeatedly insisted if false and a form of persecution by the previous Barisan Nasional government.

He is due to be released from prison on June 8.

Dr Mahathir said today PH will do its best to expedite a royal pardon for Anwar.

"We have all agreed as soon as possible to work on his pardon. He is due to be released very soon and we want to the get the full pardon,” he said.