Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who turned 90on Friday, was his usual witty self at his birthday celebration at the Perdana Leadership Foundation.

Acknowledging that 'talking' has been his asset for over 40 years, the country's longest serving prime minister thanked God for giving him good health and that he could still move.

Dr Mahathir, who was attired in a light purplebajuMelayu outfit, when asked to say a few words in conjunction with his birthday do, jokingly said that he could make political speeches now since he was standing in front of a microphone.

"But, I cannot make such speeches during weddings and birthdays. Give me a hall full of people, and I will campaign," hesaid drawinglaughter and applause from some 250 guests comprising family members and friends.

Tun Mahathir, who was accompanied by his wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, said he had enjoyed his 80s and was looking forward to his 90s.

"I thank all those present here today to help remind me that I am getting old," he said.

He said he was truly blessed to have lived up to 90 years and being surrounded by loving family members, good friends and colleagues who had stood firm by him through both good and bad times.

Tun Mahathir and Dr Siti Hasmah, who arrived at 6.45pm, began the celebration with a simpledoaselamat(thanksgiving prayer) with family and friends, followed by breaking of the fast with his guests.

The crowd joined in singing 'Happy Birthday' twice for Tun Mahathir and Dr Siti Hasmah, who will turn 89 this Sunday when they both cut "pulut kuning" and a cake.

The former prime minister then joined his guests to perform Maghrib, Isyak and Tarawih prayers, led by Sheikh Muhammad Jebril, the Imam of the famous Amr IbnAl'AssMosque in Cairo, Egypt.