Veteran politician and Prachachat Party leader, Wan Muhammad Nor Matha, officially announced Wednesday his bid to run for the premiership following the March 24 election, calling it his "final political war".
Mr Wan Nor made the announcement at a meeting with Songkhla's Islamic committee, which was attended by about 400 Muslim clerics from 399 mosques in the province.
The meeting was also attended by party secretary-general Tawee Sodsong, and election candidates running in eight constituencies in Songkhla.
"Even though I am over 70 year old, I am ready to serve as prime minister," said Mr Wan Not. "Mahathir Mohamad managed to return as Malaysia's prime minister May at 93."
Mr Wan Nor said he was confident he could turn the Prachachat Party into a "political party for people of all races and religions", as he has been involved in politics his whole life and served as a deputy prime minister and as a minister for three different ministries.
"Prachachat is a truly multicultural party," he said.
"I'm a Muslim, Pol Col Thawee is a Buddhist, while [key party member] Nahatai Tewpaingam is a Christian."
One of the party's key policies revolves around the southern insurgency, which it aims to resolve by decentralising more power to local authorities.
The party also promises to help local businesses by protecting crop prices.
"Our party supports more public participation and consultation so people can determine their own futures," he said. "We will also give autonomy to local administrations."
Mr Wan Nor said that local administrations across border provinces such as Songkhla, should be granted more powers.
"Prachachat's popularity is improving, especially in the three southernmost provinces of Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat," he said, citing findings from recent public opinion surveys.
Mr Wan Nor claimed that the idea of "cultural pluralism" has been instrumental in cementing the party's standing in the South.
"Diversity is Prachachat's strength," said Mr Wan Nor.
"Even though the party members are mostly Muslim, the party views other religions equally."
