Asia

Mahathir Mohamad resigns as Malaysian prime minister

KUALA LUMPUR: Dr Mahathir Mohamad submitted his resignation as Malaysia's prime minister on Monday (Feb 24).

A letter of resignation was delivered to the king at 1pm on Monday, a statement from the Prime Minister's Office read. No other details were included in the statement.

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His shock resignation came after speculation intensified that a new ruling coalition will be formed comprising his Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu), the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS) and others.

Dr Mahathir was Malaysias fourth prime minister from 1981 to 2003, when he was heading UMNO.

He quit UMNO in 2016 and formed Bersatu the same year and assumed the role as its chairman.

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He led Pakatan Harapan (PH) to a shock victory in the May 2018 polls, breaking Barisan Nasionals 60-year rule since the countrys independence.

Malaysia's politician Anwar Ibrahim speaks during an interview with Reuters in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, February 6, 2020. REUTERS/Lim Huey Teng

Mr Anwar Ibrahim, who is Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) president and prime minister-in-waiting according to a PH agreement, had on Sunday conceded that he has been betrayed by coalition partners.

READ: Anwar Ibrahim says he has been betrayed by Pakatan Harapan partners amid talk of new ruling coalition

On Monday morning, Mr Anwar and Deputy Prime Minister Wan Azizah Wan Ismail met Dr Mahathir at the latter's residence, together with Democratic Action Party (DAP) secretary-general Lim Guan Eng and Parti Amanah Negara president Mohamad Sabu.

Mr Anwar later told reporters that there will be no bowing down to the group who wants to betray the trust of the people.

“I am satisfied with his (Dr Mahathirs) stance that we need to prioritise our principles,” he also said.

READ: Anwar, Azizah to meet Malaysia king as talk over new ruling coalition intensifies

The day before, a flurry of activities happened in the Klang Valley as speculations were rife that a new government would be formed.

Mr Azmin Alis PKR splinter group, Bersatu, UMNO and Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) were having their respective private meetings, with Warisan president Shafie Apdal spotted at the GPS gathering.

Separately, UMNO and PAS had its inaugural retreat in Janda BRead More – Source

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