Malaysia's former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said on Monday he had quit the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), media reported, a move that could weaken the ruling coalition.
The Star newspaper, which reported the announcement in its text service, gave no details.
Mahathir, a staunch critic of his hand-picked successor Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, announced the resignation three days after the government ordered the attorney-general to investigate him and five others over the appointment of judges while he was in power.
Analysts said Mahathir, who ruled the country for 22 years until 2003, was apparently upset over the allegations.
"His departure can bring harm to UMNO and weaken PM's leadership," said political analyst Yahya Ismail.
Mahathir said at the weekend he was willing to be investigated and taken to court over the allegations.
-
Nicaragua bans international visitors from bringing in Bibles
-
Large crowds join Tommy Robinson's Christmas carol service
-
Controversial US bishop to give BBC Christmas message
-
The little-known history of the X in Xmas
-
Evangelical vicar accused of abuse won't stand trial
-
Who was the historical King Herod?
Most Popular
News
English Heritage deletes debunked claims about pagan origins of Christmas Day
English Heritage has admitted it got it wrong when it shared false claims that the date of Christmas is derived from a pagan Roman festival in honour of a sun god.
Guinness Book of Records recognises 'the world’s longest serving Sunday School teacher'
Pam Knowles started helping out her church Sunday school in 1951 at the age of 13.
The origins of ‘traditional’ Christmas celebrations
Today in the UK we celebrate Christmas and the period around it with many familiar traditions and activities. There is an understandable assumption that we have always done things this way. However, celebrating Christmas has a long and complex history and things change over time.
Venezuela stops cardinal from leaving country
The cardinal has spoken out against the excesses of the Maduro government.