In a letter addressed to Bersatu and PN’s federal territories chief and chairman Radzi Jidin, he said he was stepping down from his posts and quitting the party with immediate effect.

Speaking to FMT, he cited a “difference of opinion over the party’s struggles” as the reason for his sudden exit.

Mahathir recently expressed his disappointment over the coalition’s support for former prime minister Najib Razak’s efforts to serve the remainder of his jail term under house arrest.

He described the rally organised by PAS in solidarity with Najib as disheartening.

The rally on Jan 6, outside the Court of Appeal in Putrajaya, was attended by several Bersatu and PAS leaders.

Mahathir reportedly said PN leaders had spent years campaigning against corruption and wooing the people’s support based on that struggle.

“Leaders who once branded the Najib administration as kleptocratic and corrupt are now calling for leniency and framing him as a victim of injustice. This about-turn reeks of political opportunism, exposing a willingness to sacrifice principles for political gain.

“This rally is emblematic of a larger issue within Malaysian politics – leaders on both sides appear more focused on preserving their influence than addressing the rakyat’s concerns,” he said in a statement on Dec 30.