CHRONOLOGY - Months of political turmoil dog Malaysia
Mahathir, a bitter critic of Abdullah, has stepped up his attacks since UMNO suffered a drubbing at general elections two months ago. He resigned three days after the government ordered its top prosecutor to investigate Mahathir and five others over their role in the appointment of judges while he was in power.
Here is a timeline showing recent political turmoil in the ruling party, which analysts say could undermine UMNO's grip on power and unsettle financial markets.
* March 8, 2008: UMNO-led National Front coalition fails to secure a two-thirds majority in parliament in election upset. It loses five of the 13 states to the opposition in its worst election performance since the country's independence more than 50 years ago.
* April 1: More than 500 UMNO members meet in a Kuala Lumpur hotel to demand Abdullah resign over the election results. They cheer as Mahathir and his son, UMNO lawmaker Mukhriz Mahathir, call for Badawi to be challenged to save the party. Abdullah brushes off talk of stepping down the following day.
* April 26: Abdullah faces new call to speed up plans for a transition of power from UMNO members in the southern state of Johor. Party dissident Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah offers to challenge him for party presidency at the next general assembly, due in December.
* May 16: Government orders chief prosecutor to investigate six people, including Mahathir and two top judges, for possible criminal offences relating to a 2001 judicial scandal after a 186-page official report on the matter is released on Friday.
* May 17: Mahathir says he is willing to be investigated and taken to court over alleged dubious appointments of judges while he was in power. Mahathir ruled for 22 years (1981-2003) before picking Badawi as his successor.
* May 19: Mahathir quits UMNO. The shock move prompts fears he could split the party. He demands Abdullah's resignation, saying he will not return to UMNO without it. Abdullah refuses to step down.
* May 20: No UMNO ministers resign, despite Mahathir's calls for others to follow suit. His son says he will not quit but also calls for Abdullah's resignation. Abdullah meets UMNO lawmakers to discuss Mahathir's decision.
* May 21: Abdullah calls a special UMNO supreme council meeting at 1200 GMT. Another of Mahathir's sons, businessman Mokhzani Mahathir, and Mahathir's wife, also left the party.
Sources: Reuters
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