KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said on Wednesday (Feb 26) that he resigned because he cannot accept the United Malays National Organisation (Umno) being a part of a ruling government that replaces Pakatan Harapan (PH).

He was speaking in a televised address to the nation, addressing the political turmoil for the first time since resigning as prime minister on Monday.

Dr Mahathir also resigned as Bersatu chairman on the same day after the party under the leadership of president Muhyiddin Yassin quit PH, resulting in the collapse of the government.

Dr Mahathir said the impact of Bersatu leaving PH was that the party would then support Parti Islam Se-Malaysia and Umno in forming a pact.

“As such, parties which were defeated (in the last general election) would form the federal government,” he said.

“This government will be dominated by Umno as the biggest party.”

“I can accept Umno members who leave the party and join other parties, but Umno would join this unity government as Umno,” Dr Mahathir added.

“I can’t accept this, so I resigned.”

Dr Mahathir started his address by apologising for the political mess.

He denied that he was power crazy and had refused to relinquish the prime minister’s post.

“I resigned because I see power and positions as not the be-all-and-end-all. It is a means to an end to achieve certain objectives for the good of the nation,” he added.

Dr Mahathir said he will form an apolitical government to serve the people.

The Langkawi MP said he was of the view that politics and party politics should be set aside in the current trying times.

“I will try to form a government which does not side with any party. Only the country’s interest will be given priority.

“I will do this if I am allowed,” he said. THE MALAYSIAN INSIGHT