PETALING JAYA: Former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad denies that the recent political turmoil started when he submitted his resignation.

"Is it true that I resigned without reason? I, who had the apparent support of the ruling party and opposition, including (former prime minister Datuk Seri) Najib Razak and others who are currently under trial for corruption? This is does not make sense," he said on his blog, on Tuesday (March 3)

He added that he resigned because he did not have the necessary support anymore.

"I did not have the majority (support) and thus was not worthy of being the prime minister," he said.

He also said that the public were tired with politicians who prioritised politics over good governance.

"I suggested a government that would include non-politicians who are knowledgeable. Party members would also join but as a regular person and not beholden to their party's agenda.

"But my suggestions were rejected and I resigned. So the crisis continues. When will it end?"

In his maiden speech to the public as Prime Minister on Monday (March 2), Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin claimed that the political turmoil was sparked off by Dr Mahathir's resignation as prime minister.

Muhyiddin also said that he had to make the tough decision to accept the prime minister role or continue to support Tun Dr Mahathir as premier.

"If I had supported Tun Dr Mahathir, the political impasse was likely to be prolonged.

"I know you are all already tired of the crisis. As a leader, I had to find a solution to end it. I couldn't let the crisis continue," he said.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2020/03/03/dr-m-denies-that-his-resignation-sparked-political-crisis