Malaysia's Mahathir quits ruling party

Former Malaysian premier Mahathir Mohamad has quit the ruling party UMNO in protest over the leadership of his successor Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, his son said on Monday.

"Mahathir has resigned from UMNO in protest over Pak Lah's continued leadership as both the prime minister and president of UMNO," Mokhzani Mahathir told AFP, referring to Abdullah by his nickname.