MALAYSIA’S Mahathir Mohamad unexpectedly resigned as prime minister yesterday, leaving the Southeast Asian country in political turmoil but drawing calls from some quarters for the world’s oldest leader to return at the head of a new government.

The resignation of Mahathir, 94, breaks apart a coalition with old rival Anwar Ibrahim, 72, that had won a surprise election victory in 2018 and was not part of a pre-election promise that Mahathir would one day cede power to Anwar.

The decision, which Mahathir did not explain, follows surprise talks at the weekend between members of his coalition and the opposition on forming a new government.

But Anwar and people close to Mahathir said he had quit after accusations that he would form some sort of partnership with opposition parties he defeated less than two years ago on an anti-corruption platform.

“He thought that he shouldn’t be treated in that manner, to associate him in working with those we believe are blatantly corrupt,” Anwar told reporters after meeting Mahathir yesterday morning.

“He made it very clear that in no way would he work with those associated with the previous regime,” Anwar said.

(SD-Agencies)