Malaysia's Mahathir to launch party to challenge PM Najib

[KUALA LUMPUR] Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad on Thursday announced plans to launch a new political party that would form a coalition with the federal opposition alliance ahead of the next general election.

The new group will look to oust the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition led by Prime Minister Najib Razak, he told reporters.

"We who oppose Mr Najib cannot achieve victory unless we work together as a coalition," said Mr Mahathir.

He added that he won't contest the polls or position himself as a candidate for prime minister.

REUTERS