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Former Malaysian PM quits ruling party

Xinhua, February 29, 2016 Adjust font size:

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said here Monday that he has decided to quit ruling United Malays National Organization (UMNO).

He said that he felt disappointed over the party as it was no longer what it used to be, but has turned into a party dedicated to retaining Najib's position as the prime minister.

The former prime minister said that he will not set up a new party or join another party.

This will be the second time that Mahathir quits UMNO, after he made the same decision in May 2008 during the tenure of former prime minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. He rejoined the party when Najib became the prime minister, who at that time still enjoyed Mahathir's patronage.

Mahathir has called on Najib to step down over controversies related to the debt-laden state investment company 1MDB, whose advisory board is chaired by Najib, as well as allegations that tens of millions of U.S. dollars went into the prime minister's personal accounts.

Najib has denied any wrongdoing, which was confirmed by the Malaysia's attorney general following investigation by the state anti-corruption body. Endit