Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad. (Photo: Reuters)

The move followed a recent announcement from his party, Bersatu, saying it will withdraw from the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition, amid negotiations to form a new ruling coalition. Prime Minister Mahathir, 94, took office in May 2018, for the second term. He once held the position from 1981 to 2003.