Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, the patron of this year's BMW Malaysia Open, met event partners at a luncheon hosted by tournament organiser, Carbon Worldwide, last week.
BMW Malaysia managing director Geoffrey Briscoe, tournament director Keld Kristiansen and Lawn Tennis Association of Malaysia president Tan Sri Abdul Razak Latiff, were among the guests.
Dr Mahathir also presented signed framed certificates of appreciation to sponsors.
At the function, Dr Mahathir mooted the idea to move next year's edition to Langkawi.
"The tennis event will, in a way, further promote Langkawi as one of the nation's premium tourist destinations," said Dr. Mahathir.
"Organising the event on the island will definitely draw a lot of attention together with the Tour De Langkawi."
Asked on whether he played the game, Mahathir jokingly said he hadn't touched a tennis racquet for almost 70 years.
"I will do whatever I can as patron of the tournament," he added.
Briscoe said: "We are delighted to have Dr. Mahathir on board as patron and his support will augur well for the success of the tournament."
The Malaysia Open, a US$220,000 (RM 677,270) event, will be held at the Bukit Kiara Equestrian and Country Resort on Feb 27-March 4.
Among the confirmed names in the 32-player singles draw are former World No 1 Venus Williams, Australia's defending champion Jelena Dokic, France's World No 9 Marion Bartoli, China's Peng Shuai and India's Sania Mirza.
