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Malaysia's long week of politics: A look at backroom machinations and what's next

The Sunday Times speaks to over a dozen politicians and operatives from both sides of Malaysia's political divide to get a look at the backroom machinations at play during a week in Malaysian politics that will live long in memory. This reconstruction of events also offers insights into what can be expected in the coming days and weeks.

In a news conference last Wednesday, interim Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad announced his wish to form a non-partisan unity government. PHOTO: REUTERS

Malaysia’s former interior minister Muhyiddin Yassin talking to the press outside his home in Kuala Lumpur yesterday, after royal officials said he would be installed as the country’s new prime minister, signalling the end of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s rule.

PHOTO: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

Leslie Lopez Regional Correspondent In Kuala Lumpur, Leslie Lopez

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The chaotic events of the past week began at a Pakatan Harapan (PH) meeting on Feb 21 where Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) leaders declared that they would pull out of the coalition should Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's allies in PH press ahead with a plan to force then Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad to provide a firm timeframe for handing over power.

Although the meeting appeared to end with an agreement that Tun Dr Mahathir would be allowed to decide when to pass the baton, the acrimony of that discussion rankled some of the key players at the session.

Malaysia's long week of politics: A look at backroom machinations and what's next

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