Kuala Lumpur,Feb 24,2020: Mahathir Mohamad on Monday resigned as prime minister of Malaysia, his office said in a statement.
“Tun Dr Mahathir bin Mohamad has sent his letter of resignation as the Prime Minister of Malaysia today.
“The letter was submitted to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong at 1 pm (10:30 IST) today,” said the statement by the Prime Minister’s Office.
His coalition partner and designated successor, Anwar Ibrahim said that he had appealed to Dr Mahathir to stay as Prime Minister in his meeting with the 94-year-old leader earlier in the day.
“I was with him (earlier today) and I was informed (about his decision to resign) but I couldn’t announce it until it was released publicly.
“I did appeal to him (to stay) on behalf of Keadilan (PKR) and Pakatan (Harapan),” he told reporters.
Asked on the outcome of the meeting with the King, Anwar said it was just a meeting to express his views and a general discussion in the interest of the country, peace and stability.
Mahathir’s resignation comes amid speculations that he may form a new coalition without Anwar.
The 94-year-old Mahathir also resigned from Bersatu, the political party of which he was chairman.
Bersatu had been part of the ruling opposition alliance Pakatan Harapan, which Mahathir had joined in 2018 together with Anwar.
On Sunday, Anwar accused Mr Mahathir and his party of being “traitors”, saying they had plans to form a new government, presumably without him.
It is not clear who will be the next prime minister – or if new elections will be called.
