Mahathir still speaking to the world as he approaches 98

In Dr Mahathir Mohamad's office in Putrajaya, piles of files lie on the table before him.

At 97, the former prime minister appears as busy as ever despite his recent return from Japan where he attended the Nikkei Conference in Tokyo less than a week ago. 

He has been a guest at the conference since it was first organised in 1995, and has a high opinion of the event which he says is arranged not by institutions, but by "important parties" including the press and national think tanks. 

At this year's conference, he said he spoke for about an hour at each session he attended, with a lively question-and-answer session after that. 

He was asked about a variety of issues including the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, global poverty, and finance. 

"I answered and gave suggestions about the United Nations, for example, which has veto power," he said in an exclusive interview with MalaysiaNow. 

"I think a body that has veto power is not qualified to consider global problems."

Mahathir also believes that Asean leaders should be made an example in addressing problems such as climate change and when dealing with the global economy. 

Every year, he said, Asean leaders meet to discuss conflicts in a peaceful and diplomatic process which has lasted for more than 60 years. 

"Countries would be ruined and people killed in the event of war," he said. 

"It's the same with negotiations: there are times when we lose, but no one dies." 

When asked about the enthusiasm for his views on the international front even as many in Malaysia urge him to retire, Mahathir smiled. 

He said he, too, found it strange that so many participants at the Nikkei Conference wanted his opinion on matters, especially given that these were often at odds with general views and out of sync with those of other world leaders. 

He also acknowledged the calls in Malaysia for him to "take a break" and refrain from making comments anymore. 

"Other countries want to see my answers to questions about problems that they are facing," he said. 

"In Malaysia, they only ask when I'm going to retire. It's like they're bored of me." 

But bear in mind, he said, that his views come from over 80 years in politics, including two stints in the country's highest office. 

"I share my opinion not because I want to become prime minister for a third time, but out of my love for the country," he said. 

"If you don't want to accept my views, at least hear them first."