Malaysian National News Agency, Bernama reported that outspoken former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad have announced that he is quitting UMNO with immediate effect.The shocking announcement came while delivering his speech at the 'The Position of Malays post-12th General Elections' in Alor Star.His resignation appears to be part of his strategy to force Abdullah to step down in the wake of the ruling coalition disastrous results in the recent General Election.Meanwhile The Malaysian Insider reported Tan Sri Sanusi Junid, a party veteran, also leaves Umno.
In an immediate response as reported by Malaysiakini, Shahrir Samad, the minister for domestic trade and consumer affairs, said Mahathir's surprise move could trigger a flurry of resignations from the embattled party that could force Abdullah to hold fresh general elections.
The Star's website quoted Umno information chief Muhammad Muhammad Taib as saying he was surprised at Mahathir's abrupt departure.
"Every member has the right to join or leave the party," he said.
Asked whether Umno would convene an emergency meeting in response to the move, he said that "we will wait and see".
"Every member has the right to join or leave the party," he said.
Asked whether Umno would convene an emergency meeting in response to the move, he said that "we will wait and see".
Meanwhile, The Malaysian Insider reported that Dr Mahathir's son Datuk Mokhzani said his father's decision was a sign of no confidence in the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who is fighting for political survival with many party members calling for his resignation to take responsibility for the losses in the March 8 general elections. He has asked other members of the party to follow suit," Mokhzani, a businessman, said.
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