Malaysia’s Mahathir Mohamad called on Wednesday for a unity government without political parties after his shock resignation as prime minister sparked turmoil.

Mahathir, the world’s oldest head of government, resigned on Monday (February 24) but was immediately named by the king as interim prime minister. In his first address since then, Mahathir apologised for the turmoil but said he was ready to return as prime minister full time if he had support.

In the televised message he called to propose an independent government not aligned with any party, but only ‘prioritise the interests of the country’.

But old rival Anwar Ibrahim’s supporters said he had also been put forward as premier.

The struggle between Mahathir, 94, and Anwar, 72, who formed a surprise pact to win a 2018 election, has shaped politics in the Southeast Asian country for more than two decades and is at the root of the latest crisis.