Malaysia's outspoken former leader Mahathir Mohamad now runs a Japanese-style baker's shop. The 80-year-old politician is chairman and controlling shareholder of a firm operating a business called "The Loaf" serving bread and pastries.

Mahathir owns a 51 percent stake in a company called M&M Consolidated Resources Sdn Bhd. It is investing three million ringgit ($817,000) in the venture and a Japanese partner owns the remaining 49 percent stake.

The company plans to expand by setting up shops in Kuala Lunmpur, Phuket and Singapore, the Star newspaper Thursday.

"Now I want to try my hand at both -- making bread and joint venture with the Japanese," he said, adding that he had a favorite baker's shop in Tokyo called "Johan."

Mahathir had some business experience before turning to full-time politics. He use to run a medical clinic and petrol kiosk. He retired in 2003 after 22 years in office as prime minister.