In first public remarks as interim PM, Dr M apologises to country for political mess
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 26 — Interim prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad apologised to Malaysia this afternoon in his first public address since the Pakatan Harapan government collapsed.
Touching on his sudden resignation as the seventh prime minister, he declined to provide the exact reason, but said it sufficed to let the public know that he was put in a decision that made it impossible to decide.
He also said he was accused of plotting to hold on to the position of prime minster due to being power hungry.
“So, I resigned as I did not see power and position as being the ‘be all and end all’ of my mission.
“To me, power and position are a ‘means to an end’ or an instrument to achieve an objective, and our objective is certainly the welfare of the country,” he said.
He added that he would wish to continue if he still commanded the support of the majority, but would accept if this was no longer the case.
Dr Mahathir resigned as the prime minister on Monday and his entire Cabinet was also dissolved as a result.
He was appointed as the interim PM after his resignation was accepted.
The political turmoil triggered by the resignation remained unresolved as lawmakers previously united in their support for Dr Mahathir have now switched their allegiances.
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