In a sudden move by long time UMNO veterans today, former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and party member Tan Sri Sanusi Junid announced that they are quitting UMNO. Dr Mahathir, who was a lifetime member of the party, cited his lack of confidence in the current leadership as his reason if quitting.

Dr Mahathir also urged other party members to quit, as a way of applying pressure on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to step down. He however advised members not to join any opposition parties, but instead to return to UMNO once there has been a leadership change. Barisan Nasional MPs and other UMNO leaders were shocked and disapproved of Dr Mahathir’s action, but the news appears to be greeted with cheers and jubilation by the rakyat. Full report and bloggers reactions here.