The Democratic Action Party (DAP) "condemns the treachery of some PH (Pakatan Harapan) leaders and MPs" for attempting to form a "back-door government with a new coalition", Malaysia's finance minister said in a media statement on Monday, Feb. 24.

Condemned "treachery" led by Azmin Ali

In the media statement, Lim, the secretary-general of DAP, condemned the group of leaders led by Azmin Ali attempting to form a new coalition government, calling the move an act of "treachery".

The group attempting to form the new coalition government, Perikatan Nasional (PN) consists of "UMNO, PAS, MCA and MIC and certain PPBM leaders with PKR renegades", Lim's statement wrote.

Lim further said that "such political manipulation has affected the government's effort to address economic and livelihood of Malaysian businesses and the ordinary rakyat (people)".

Anwar had earlier clarified that Malaysia Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad was not involved in the attempt to create a new coalition government, Malaysiakini reported.

Mahathir had handed in his resignation letter to the Malaysian king on Monday, and later resigned as PPBM chief a few hours later.

DAP will back Mahathir, Lim says

Lim added that his party will nominate Mahathir to continue as prime minister at the PH presidential council's emergency meeting on Monday night, commending Mahathir for his "principled position".

"This is the first time that a Malaysian Prime Minister is prepared to resign on principle to uphold integrity and combat corruption," Lim wrote in response to Mahathir's refusal to work with UMNO.

"DAP intends to propose to the PH Presidential Council at its emergency meeting tonight to continue to nominate Tun Dr Mahathir to continue as Prime Minister of Malaysia to fulfil and deliver the promises in the PH General Election Manifesto."

Top image via Azmin Ali's Facebook, Lim Guan Eng's Facebook