Former PM Mahathir Quits Ruling Party Deepening Cracks

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian news reports say former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has quit the ruling party after a long feud with his successor.

The Star newspaper and Malaysiakini news portals say Mahathir is quitting the United Malays National Organization party with immediate effect. He is urging other members to do the same.

Malaysiakini said Mahathir announced this at a speech in Kedah state on Monday (19 May).

It quoted him as saying: "I will only come back to the party when there is a change in leadership." He said his decision is a sign of no-confidence in the leadership of Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

Mahathir appointed Abdullah to succeed him in 2003 when he retired after 22 years as prime minister. But the two fell out within a year.

Associated Press
19/05/08