Malaysia's Mahathir in cameo for sci-fi nationalist movie
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Kuala Lumpur (dpa) - Malaysia's long time former ruler Mahathir Mohamad is making his acting debut in a cameo for a historical science-fiction film.
The 90-year-old, who ruled Malaysia from 1981 to 2003, said his role in the movie Kapsul was to act like himself when he was still leader, reports said Friday.
"I have a small role," he was quoted by the Malaysian Digest news portal as saying during a press preview in Kuala Lumpur.
"I just followed the instructions given to me."
In the movie he is seen sealing his Vision 2020 for the future of the country in a time capsule.
This is then stolen by the hero, who travels back in time to 1942 and helps fight the Japanese invasion.
While he never put together a time capsule, Mahathir did lay out a Vision 2020 programme in 1991, outlining a nine-point plan for the country.
Producers say the film underscores Malaysian solidarity, and is not intended as a comment on the country's political situation, The Sun Daily reported.
Mahathir has recently called for the resignation of current Prime Minister Najib Razak over corruption allegations, and has been summoned for interview by police over his comments at a recent protest.
Mahathir admitted to feeling "nervous" about his film appearance, according to the Malaysian Digest. "But at least I can tell people that I'm now an actor."
Kapsul is scheduled to be shown in cinemas throughout Malaysia next week.
