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Dr M resigns: How events unfolded in Malaysia's latest political upheaval

SINGAPORE — After a Sunday rife with speculation following secretive meetings by numerous Malaysian politicians at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia was rocked by the news that Dr Mahathir Mohamad had stepped down from his position as the nation’s Prime Minister on Monday (Feb 24).

The Prime Minister’s Office in Malaysia issues a statement saying that Dr Mahathir Mohamad (front row, centre) submitted his resignation letter to the Malaysian King at 1pm on Feb 24, 2020.

The Prime Minister’s Office in Malaysia issues a statement saying that Dr Mahathir Mohamad (front row, centre) submitted his resignation letter to the Malaysian King at 1pm on Feb 24, 2020.

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SINGAPORE — After a Sunday rife with talk of a political shakeup, following secretive meetings by numerous Malaysian politicians at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia was rocked by the news that Dr Mahathir Mohamad had stepped down from his position as the nation’s prime minister on Monday (Feb 24).

The ruling Pakatan Harapan (PH) government has also collapsed following the exit of multiple lawmakers from the coalition.

Here’s how the events unfolded:

Sunday (Feb 23)

  • Members of Parliament (MPs) from Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), who are aligned with their deputy president Azmin Ali, gather at the Sheraton Hotel in Petaling Jaya in the morning, news portal Malaysiakini reported. The leaders aligned with PKR president Anwar Ibrahim were reportedly unaware of the meeting.

  • Politicians from six parties — Bersatu, Umno, PAS, Gabungan Parti Sarawak and Parti Warisan Sabah — are seen gathering at the Sheraton Hotel, too, Malay Mail reported. There is talk that the six plan to form a new coalition government with the PKR faction aligned with Mr Azmin.

  • A PKR assemblyman aligned with Mr Azmin says that a new coalition would be announced later that day, Malay Mail reported. This new coalition would replace the ruling Pakatan Harapan government.

  • Dr Mahathir’s press team tells reporters that the premier will not be going to the Sheraton Hotel. He does not hold a press conference on Sunday night despite intense interest in the ongoing developments.

  • PKR president Anwar Ibrahim conducts a Facebook Live broadcast, saying that he has been betrayed.

Monday (Feb 24)

  • Mr Anwar’s scheduled meeting with Dr Mahathir at 9.30am at the Prime Minister’s Office in Putrajaya does not happen. 

  • A second meeting between Dr Mahathir and Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Wan Azizah, Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng and Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu, scheduled for 11am, also does not take place. 

  • Instead, Mr Anwar, Dr Azizah, Mr Lim and Mr Mohamad all leave the Putra Perdana complex — where Dr Mahathir’s office is located — at around 10.30am.

  • The group is reportedly seen entering Dr Mahathir’s residence in Seri Kembangan at 10.45am. Mr Lim leaves Dr Mahathir’s residence at 12:16pm followed by Dr Wan Azizah, Mr Anwar and Mr Mohamad at 12.25pm.

  • Mr Anwar describes his meeting with Dr Mahathir as “very good”. Mr Lim said: “It was a very emotional meeting.” 

  • Dr Mahathir is confirmed to have resigned as prime minister, the New Straits Times reported. The Prime Minister’s Office issues a statement saying Dr Mahathir submitted his resignation letter to the Malaysian King at 1pm.

  • Dr Mahathir has reportedly designated Dr Wan Azizah as interim prime minister, which would make her Malaysia’s first woman prime minister if she takes up the role.

  • The ruling Pakatan Harapan government collapses, New Straits Times reported, as 26 federal lawmakers from Dr Mahathir's Bersatu party pull out, and nine PKR MPs resign.

  • Mr Azmin and former PKR vice-president Zuraida Kamaruddin are sacked from the party.

  • Dr Mahathir is summoned to meet the King of Malaysia at 5pm, Malay Mail reported.

  • Dr Mahathir steps down as chairman of his Bersatu party, Malay Mail reported. AGENCIES

Related topics

Mahathir Mohamad Pakatan Harapan Anwar Ibrahim Malaysia Azmin Ali Politics

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