PETALING JAYA: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has denied being a dictator during his previous 22-year stint as premier, saying he had tried to bridge the gap between the haves and the have-nots.

The Prime Minister said this during an exclusive interview with US broadcaster CNN in response to a question about whether a “strong man” was needed to raise an emerging country into developed nation status.

The 93-year-old also addressed the authoritarian and dictator labels critics tacked on him during his first term.

“I was not a dictator. I was elected five times by the people, and no dictator has ever resigned; I resigned,” said Dr Mahathir.

He said for him, the opportunity to work and deliver certain things for Malaysia was something very satisfying.

“It is not the money that you earn. It is the job satisfaction.”

However, when asked if he had any regrets about his first term, Dr Mahathir said he had failed to solve the economic gaps and racial division between the people of Malaysia.

“No, not much of a regret but I felt that this country is a multiracial country. You cannot change that, and that is something that I tried to do because I don't like disparities between rich and poor, between races, because that will destabilise the country,” he said.

The elderly statesman said he tried to ensure that these disparities were diminished, so that all the races could enjoy the wealth of the country.

“I had (a) little success, but generally I failed. I wish I had (done more), but you know, you can't change people's way of life, culture, mindsets and all that overnight,” said Dr Mahathir.

However, he remains undeterred in his vision for Malaysia.

“I will try again,” he added.