Former PM Mahathir quits Malaysia's ruling UMNO party, protesting corruption

Malaysia's former premier Mahathir Mohamad said on Feb. 29 that he is quitting the ruling United Malays National Organization (UMNO) party, as it is being seen as "supporting corruption" under Prime Minister Najib Razak's leadership.

Mahathir, Malaysia's longest-serving leader, remains a highly respected and influential figure and has become the fiercest critic of Najib, who is facing pressure over a graft scandal surrounding state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB). 

"I won't call it UMNO anymore, this is Najib's party," Mahathir told reports at a press conference. "I feel embarrassed that I am associated with a party that is seen as supporting corruption - it had caused me to feel ashamed." 

Najib's office had no immediate comment on Mahathir's statement. 

The 90-year-old Mahathir, premier from 1981 to 2003, said he would not set up a new party or join another party. 

"I am trying to make sure that Najib will not continue to be the PM of this country," he said. 

When asked if others will follow suit in leaving UMNO, the leader said: "If they wish to follow, they are welcome but I am not campaigning for that." 

Najib has been tightening his grip over UMNO, amid growing calls by detractors in the party, and the opposition, for him to step down over allegations of graft at 1MDB and revelations of the transfer of funds into his bank accounts. 

In July 2015, the Wall Street Journal reported that investigators looking into indebted 1MDB had found that nearly $700 million had been transferred into a personal bank account in Najib's name. 

Najib denies wrongdoing or taking any money for personal gain. Malaysia's Attorney General cleared Najib of any criminal offence or corruption last...