FEB 23, 2020 started off quietly but beginning afternoon, speculations began swirling about a potential political crisis.
Several political parties had meetings on Feb 23, a Sunday, which culminated in rumours of the formation of a new alliance to helm the government.
Since then, various events have unfolded, and the New Straits Times has got you covered. To catch up on the political crisis, we have put together the articles here, in a timeline. Rain or shine, crisis or calm, we are there to provide you with the latest updates.
DAY 1 - FEB 23, 2020 - SUNDAY
Several political meetings are being held today, fueling talks of a possible formation of a new political alignment.
Political party meetings fueling talks of something big today
Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia’s (Bersatu) Supreme Council meeting ended after six hours, fueling speculation of a big announcement that will make a big impact on the Pakatan Harapan (PH) administration.
Bersatu meeting ends, speculation rife of 'big announcement'
Lawmakers from Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) began converging here to attend a meeting at a hotel today.
GPS MPs meet in federal capital
A motorcade of about 20 vehicles, accompanied by traffic police, was seen entering Istana Negara here at 5.30pm today.
Motorcade of 20 vehicles enters Istana Negara
A political realignment involving the formation of a new government is expected to take place soon following the support of more than adequate Parliamentary seats garnered by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
'New government likely with sufficient seats'
The formation of a new Federal government to replace the PH-led government would most probably use the 2009 Perak constitutional crisis as a guide.
2009 Perak constitutional crisis to guide new government formation
PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has confirmed speculations that there have been attempts of a betrayal towards the Pakatan Harapan government.
Anwar confirms betrayal of Bersatu and several PKR members
The formation of a new government coalition is “very likely”, Umno secretary-general Tan Sri Annuar Musa said.
PM to announce new government coalition, says Annuar
There was neither a press conference, nor a big announcement of a political nature at a dinner involving a big group of members of Parliament from both sides of the political divide at the Sheraton Hotel.
No press conference at Sheraton hotel
PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is expected to have an audience with Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah on Monday while DAP will convene an emergency meeting following a series of peculiar meetings by political bigwigs on Sunday.
Anwar has scheduled audience with Agong tomorrow
Only party presidents were present during the Muafakat Ahli Parlimen dinner at the Sheraton Hotel, Pas secretary-general Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan said.
PKR deputy president Datuk Seri Azmin Ali said the “reformasi” (reform) struggle will be continued despite the infighting between him and party president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Reform agenda to continue, says Azmin
DAY 2 - FEB 24, 2020 - MONDAY
Respect the democratically-elected government and uphold the reform agenda which was promised to the rakyat.
Maria Chin to PH: Do not go against the will of the people
The ringgit extended its downtrend to open lower against the US dollar today, weighed down by ongoing local political wrangling, analysts said.
Ringgit falls to 4.210 against USD over political uncertainty
PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng have arrived at Perdana Putra to meet with Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
Anwar, Guan Eng arrive at Perdana Putra
PKR Youth has urged the party leadership to fire its deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali and other leaders said to be involved in the formation of a unity government.
After a frenzied Sunday of political speculations, the national palace once again becomes a hotspot with reporters descending upon it as early as 8am.
Amanah Youth has lashed out at PKR deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali for what it calls an “act of sabotage” by him against the PH coalition.
Amanah Youth flays Azmin for 'act of sabotage'
Umno secretary-general Tan Sri Annuar Musa expressed his sympathy for members of the press, in light of the current political developments in the country.
Give the press a briefing, says Annuar
PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his wife Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail have left the Prime Minister’s Office.
Anwar, Guan Eng fail to meet with Dr M
Shares on Bursa Malaysia opened lower today, with political uncertainties over the current Pakatan Harapan-led government dragging all indices down.
Bursa Msia opens lower on possible political realignment
Amanah strategy director Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said that PH is still the government, despite the current turbulence in the country’s political scene.
Amanah gives full support to Dr M's leadership
The DAP headquarters at Jalan Yew, Pudu, is a hive of activity as members of the media wait in anticipation of the party's emergency meeting, to be held shortly.
DAP leaders arrive at party HQ for emergency meeting
Members of PH’s leadership are believed to be holding a private meeting with Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad at his residence.
After initial runaround, Anwar, Guan Eng meet Dr M at his residence
Several PKR leaders have arrived at the party headquarters where a special central leadership meeting will convene following talks of a possible formation of a new government coalition after a flurry of political party meetings on Sunday.
PKR leaders gather at HQ for central leadership meeting
Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Hannah Yeoh said she hopes the Agong, Prime Minister and Members of Parliament will continue to do the right thing for Malaysia, despite ongoing political turmoil sparked by alleged betrayal by certain leaders in the PH government.
Amid rumours, Hannah Yeoh looks back on past 18 months
After spending nearly an hour in talks with Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, top PKR and DAP leaders were seen leaving his residence.
Anwar, Wan Azizah, Guan Eng conclude talks with Dr Mahathir
Under pressure over uncertainties surrounding the country’s political landscape, the local bourse sank to its lowest level since Dec 2011.
Bursa plunges to lowest level in almost 10 years over political turmoil
PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he is satisfied with the outcome of his meeting with Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
Anwar 'satisfied' with outcome of meeting with Dr M
The world’s longest bull run is set to end its 12-year reign as political upheaval has helped push Malaysian stocks down more than 20 per cent from their peak.
World’s longest bull run set to end amid Malaysia power upheaval
DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng has arrived at the party’s headquarters at Jalan Yew, for an emergency meeting.
If the turmoil surrounding the country's political arena was at boiling point Sunday, the temperature is rising even more with rumours that the Prime Minister has resigned.
Azmin, Zuraida sacked from PKR
Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia officially leaves the PH coalition.
Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has submitted his resignation letter to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong this afternoon.
The PH ruling government has collapsed, following the resignation of Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and after the pact lost its Parliamentary majority.
PH is no more, suggested PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has quit as chairman of Bersatu.
Dr M quits as Bersatu chairman
Umno secretary-general Tan Sri Annuar Musa took a swipe against PH ministers, asking whether Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad had received enough support from them to carry out his responsibilities.
Annuar Musa accuses PH of not backing Dr M
With the resignation of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad as the prime minister, it is now up to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah to decide on what is next.
With the resignation of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad as Prime Minister and Bersatu chairman, the state of the country’s political scene is in turmoil.
Live updates: Collapse of PH government
Amanah pledges its full support for Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad as the prime minister.
Amanah pledges support for Dr M as PM
Intense speculation about a new political coalition and change of government will affect the local economy, Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Dr Ong Kian Ming said.
Intense speculation over change of goverment will hurt economy
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim have left Istana Negara.
Wan Azizah, Anwar leave Istana Negara
All Barisan Nasional and PAS members of Parliament will be at the Istana Negara at 5pm Monday for an audience with Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah.
We have the numbers, says PAS sec-gen
Malaysia is likely heading towards a snap election based on the present political development, said local political analysts.
Is Malaysia going for a snap election?
PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today claimed Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad was disappointed by the current political turmoil.
Anwar claims Tun M not involved in political plot
DAP will propose for Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to continue as the prime minister following the latter's resignation, said its secretary-general Lim Guan Eng.
DAP wants Dr M to continue as PM
Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad arrived at Istana Negara in a black Proton Perdana at 4.40pm Monday.
The decision by Bersatu to leave PH would result in the Johor State Assembly being split right in the middle.
The Pas-led Terengganu state government will remain intact when the change in the composition of the federal government takes effect.
Status quo for Pas-led Terengganu government despite national upheaval
DAP has condemned the action of some PH leaders and members of parliament to form a backdoor government with a new Perikatan Nasional coalition.
DAP slams treacherous action by some MPs, PH leaders
Penang Deputy Chief Minister II Dr P Ramasamy is confident Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad was not the mastermind behind the move to form a new government without DAP, Amanah and PKR.
Dr Mahathir not the mastermind, says Ramasamy
As reporters were camped outside Istana Negara, waiting for updates on the current political turmoil, they were treated to some finger licking goodness.
Palace treats journalists to KFC
Kelantan's Pas-led government has only one representative from Bersatu and the decision for the party to leave PH does not affect the state assembly.
Political turmoil: Kelantan not affected
Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad left Istana Negara at 6.19pm.
Dr Mahathir leaves Istana Negara
PAS deputy spiritual leader Datuk Ahmad Yakob has called on the public, especially party members, to remain calm and not panic amidst the current political situation in the country.
Remain calm amid political uncertainties - Ahmad Yakob
The collapse of the PH government at the federal level is not likely to have any major impact on the Penang government.
Penang not likely to see changes, Kedah to await return of Mukhriz
Sabah leaders will remain focused in looking after the interests of the state and its people amidst the political turmoil in the country.
Warisan stands behind Dr M; remains focused on Sabah's interests
Its business as usual for the PH government, said DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng.
Guan Eng: Business as usual for PH govt
Gerakan president Datuk Dr Dominic Lau has brushed off speculations that ex-PKR deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali will be joining the party.
No sign of Azmin joining party, says Gerakan president
Civil society organisations (CSOs) including Bersih 2.0 today warned a major rally would be held should two of their demands are not met following the current political uncertainties.
Backdoor government a betrayal of GE14 voters, civil societies say
Bersatu's exit from PH and a split in PKR has left some state governments facing uncertainties, with fear of a collapse, similar to what's happening at the federal level.
Uncertainty in some states as PH government collapses
The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah has accepted Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's resignation as prime minister, and appoints the latter as Interim Prime Minister.
YDP Agong appoints Dr Mahathir as interim PM
Police has warned the public against spreading or creating any form of fake news and speculations about the country’s latest political development.
IGP: Stop speculating and spreading fake news
There has been no discussion in Umno over who will fill the vacant Prime Ministerial post after Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad relinquished the position on Monday.
Ku Li: No discussion in Umno on new PM candidate
Penang government has thrown its support behind Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to continue to lead the country under the PH banner.
Political turmoil brought about by the collapse of the PH government has placed further strain on Malaysia’s economy, as the country’s stock exchange closed at its lowest point since late 2010 on Monday.
Bursa Malaysia closes at lowest level in almost 10 years on Dr M's resignation
The collapse of the PH government at the federal level will have no effect on the present Barisan Nasional-led Pahang government.
Political turmoil: It's business as usual for Pahang government
The situation in the federal capital remains peaceful and under control, assured the police.
Situation in KL peaceful, under control
Interim Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who has earlier resigned as the Bersatu chairman, was no where to be seen at the party headquarters where an emergency meeting is being held.
No sight of Dr M as Bersatu leaders convene emergency meeting
MCA is ready to accept any decision made by Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah following the latest political development.
MCA, MIC ready to face any outcome
Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah has dissolved the Cabinet on the advice of the interim Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
11 former PKR members, branded as traitors, claimed that their actions were meant to save the country.
'We are not traitors, this is to save Malaysia'
Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin emerged from the party headquarters about three hours after arriving for its emergency meeting.
Bersatu refuses to accept Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s resignation as party chairman and will seek to convince him to reconsider his move.
Bersatu refuses to accept Dr M's resignation
Hannah Yeoh urged civil servants to continue shouldering the "amanah" of the people following the dissolution of the Cabinet and all administration officers and staff.
Carry on the work guys, Hannah Yeoh tells civil servants