Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad dismisses criticism that his former deputy Anwar Ibrahim, imprisoned over a sodomy conviction, was given an unfair trial because of his comments before the trail.

"It is the court which decided he was guilty ... he was detained only after trial", Mahathir says.

When asked whether he would pardon Ibrahim if he could, Mahathir responds: "I have no power to order anybody to be released … I have nothing against him now. It was before."

Mahathir is also challenged on any future role in government his family might have.

Watch more from Mehdi Hasan's interview with Mahathir Mohamad in which they discuss Mahathir's political ambitions, his legacy and the future of Malaysia under its current leadership.