Malaysian PM Mahathir resigns in tactical move to thwart Anwar's...

Malaysian PM Mahathir resigns in tactical move to thwart Anwar's succession

KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad sent his resignation letter to the King at 1pm Monday (Feb 24), his office said in a brief statement.
But sources told The Straits Times the shock move is likely to be followed by declarations of support for him to continue in power until the end of the current parliamentary term.
Tun Dr Mahathir’s Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) announced today it has left the ruling Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition. Meanwhile 11 MPs from Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) have also quit the party to form an independent bloc.
The resignation move is likely to have been tactical, with a view to undoing the PH transition agreement under which Mr Anwar was supposed to replace the 94-year-old Dr Mahathir before the next election due in 2023.
"Nope, the Agong will reject the resignation saying Mahathir has the support from the majority of Parliament," a source said, referring to Malaysia's King.
Monday's developments are in line with reports on Sunday that Dr Mahathir is planning to replace Malaysia’s ruling pact with a wider coalition that includes opposition parties Umno and PAS, but could leave out his PH allies.

https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/s...tical-move-to-thwart-anwar-succession-sources