malaysia
Putrajaya fires Dr Mahathir as Petronas adviser
Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has been removed as Petronas adviser. – The Malaysian Insider file pic, March 11, 2016.The Cabinet has terminated Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad as adviser to national oil firm Petronas, a week after the former prime minister formed a broad coalition to oust current Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office, the Cabinet had discussed the actions of Dr Mahathir today, particularly in launching the Citizens’ Declaration with opposition leaders last week.
The declaration was aimed at toppling the democratically elected government and therefore went against the law and the Federal Constitution, it said.
“The Cabinet unanimously decided that, since Dr Mahathir no longer supports the current government, he should no longer hold any position related to the government.”
Dr Mahathir has been adviser to Petronas since he retired as prime minister in 2003.
Among those present at the signing of the declaration on March 4 were Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, DAP parliamentary chief Lim Kit Siang, former deputy prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and former MCA president Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik.
Others included former Bersih co-chairman Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan, Bersih chairman Maria Chin Abdullah, Datuk Zaid Ibrahim and activist Hishamuddin Rais.
From among Pakatan Harapan were DAP national organising secretary Anthony Loke and vice-chairman Teresa Kok, Parti Amanah Negara vice-president Datuk Mujahid Yusof Rawa, and PKR vice-presidents Chua Tian Chang and Rafizi Ramli.
Two PAS leaders, its elections director Datuk Mustafa Ali and Pokok Sena MP Datuk Mahfuz Omar, were also present.
Dr Mahathir said Najib's administration had inflicted damage to the nation and caused Malaysia to be listed as among the most corrupt nations.
He said Najib's removal from office must be through non-violent and "legally permissible means".
He added that the movement’s next step would be to hold the March 27 closed door gathering of anti-Najib forces. – March 11, 2016.
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