Mahathir Mohamad Resigns as Prime Minister

February 24th, 2020

February 24th, 2020

Mahathir Mohamad Resigns as Prime Minister
How Long Ago?

5 years, 19 days ago

Location

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Category

Politics & Government

People
  • Mahathir Mohamad
  • Anwar Ibrahim
  • Muhyiddin Yassin
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Mahathir Mohamad Resigns as Prime Minister

Mahathir Mohamad resigned from his position as Prime Minister amidst a political crisis that challenged the stability of the Pakatan Harapan government. The resignation followed an attempt by a faction within the government to realign power, prompting significant turmoil in Malaysian politics. The move surprised many, leading to confusion and unrest among citizens and political observers.

Mahathir resigned amid coalition power struggles.

The resignation shocked both supporters and critics.

It triggered a political crisis in Malaysia.

Key figures quickly sought new political alignments.

What Happened?

Mahathir Mohamad's resignation marked a pivotal moment in Malaysian politics, reflecting deeper rifts within the ruling coalition, Pakatan Harapan, which won the 2018 general elections. The current situation arose from ongoing struggles for power among coalition partners. On that day, key political figures were reportedly meeting to seek new alliances, amidst speculation about Mahathir's leadership intentions and future direction of the country. This political maneuvering culminated in Mahathir's resignation after he submitted a letter to the Malaysian king, King Abdullah of Pahang, signaling his intent to step down. The sudden shift prompted immediate discussions about the future leadership of Malaysia and the potential formation of a new government, intensifying the uncertainty within both the political landscape and the general populace. Critics and supporters alike were taken aback by the resignation, and it led to protests and calls for political clarity amid growing tensions. The implications of this event reverberated beyond the initial shock, setting the stage for a prolonged political crisis that persisted beyond the immediate aftermath.

Why Does it Matter?

Mahathir Mohamad's resignation is notable for its contribution to a broader political crisis in Malaysia, often referred to as the 2020-2022 Malaysian political crisis. This event highlighted the fragility of coalitions and the complexities of governing in a multi-ethnic society like Malaysia. It prompted a series of political realignments and led to significant changes in the Malaysian political landscape, influencing public perception of governance and accountability.

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