Malaysia’s former PM Mahathir quits ruling UMNO party, protesting corruption

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Malaysia’s former PM Mahathir quits ruling UMNO party, protesting corruption

PUBLISHED : Monday, 29 February, 2016, 6:26pm
UPDATED : Monday, 29 February, 2016, 6:31pm

Reuters in Kuala Lumpur

Former Malaysian prime minister Mahathir Mohamad says the ruling United Malays National Organisation is now “Najib’s party”. Photo: Reuters

Malaysia’s former premier Mahathir Mohamad said on Monday he is quitting the ruling United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) party, as it is being seen as “supporting corruption” under Prime Minister Najib Razak’s leadership.

Mahathir, Malaysia’s longest-serving leader, remains a highly respected and influential figure and has become the fiercest critic of Najib, who is facing pressure over a graft scandal surrounding state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).

READ MORE: Mahathir’s son quits state leadership amid possible purge by Malaysia’s PM Najib

“I won’t call it UMNO anymore, this is Najib’s party. I feel embarrassed that I am associated with a party that is seen as supporting corruption – it had caused me to feel ashamed,” he told reporters at a press conference.

But the leader said he would not set up a new party or join any other party.