He said the decision was driven by his confidence in Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s leadership and the direction of the unity government, which emphasises reform, social justice and administrative integrity.

“I am ready to assist in the government’s policies and development agenda so that they can be implemented more effectively and based on the people’s interests,” he told Sinar Harian.

Mahathir said he had met PKR secretary-general Fuziah Salleh and PKR strategy director Sim Tze Tzin to hand over his membership form.

“I am now officially a member of the Batu division.”

On Jan 11, it was reported that Mahathir resigned as secretary for Bersatu and PN. He later told FMT that he decided to quit Bersatu as his principles no longer aligned with the party’s direction.

Mahathir had previously criticised a PAS-led rally in support of Najib Razak on Jan 6, arguing that it reflected PN’s willingness to compromise its principles for political gain.