Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has signed a petition seeking the release of his one-time adversary, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The former prime minister signed the petition during the 12th Annual National Congress of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) here today, along with wife, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali.

Asked to comment on the matter, Dr Mahathir admitted he would like Anwar, who was once his deputy, to be freed.

"Yes, I am calling for his release... it's not me who put him in jail, that's an old story..." he told reporters.

The congress, believed by PKR members to be the final one before the 14th General Election also put Anwar's appointment as the seventh prime minister of the country as one of its main agenda.

Also present were PKR president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, PPBM president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali and DAP veteran leader Lim Kit Siang.

-- BERNAMA