Dr M rebuts PM on who started political crisis

Dr Mahathir Mohamad has rebutted Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin's claim that it was he who triggered last week's political crisis.

Muhyiddin, in his address to the nation last night, said Mahathir had caused the crisis by resigning as prime minister.

"Is it true that suddenly for no reason I resigned? I, who had the support of government and opposition parties including Najib Abdul Razak and several others being tried for corruption, resigned (for no reason)?

"This doesn't make sense," the former premier wrote in his blog today.

Last week, Muhyiddin was part of a coup attempt to form a new government without PKR, DAP and Amanah.

The attempt on Feb 23, was followed the next day by Mahathir's resignation after which Muhyiddin officially pulled Bersatu out of Pakatan Harapan.

Mahathir had said that he resigned because he did not want to work with Umno, and also because he believed he had lost majority support.

He had also apologised for resigning, a move which eventually led to Muhyiddin being sworn in as prime minister on Sunday.

In his blog posting today, Mahathir said during the crisis, he had pushed to form a non-partisan government because the people were tired of "politicians who put politics above good administration".

This was a swipe at Muhyiddin, whom he accused of putting politics above principles.

"But my suggestion was rejected. Then, I resigned and the crisis dragged on. I don't know when it will end," he said.

After teaming up with Harapan on Saturday in a last-ditch effort to thwart Muhyiddin, Mahathir claims to have the majority in the Dewan Rakyat.

This will have to be put to the test in Parliament which is supposed to convene next Monday. - Mkini