After yesterday’s annoucement of party veteran Dr Mahathir Mohamad quitting Umno , for the second time, PKR described this as the "the old walls of division built upon years of politicking are finally collapsing".

As a result of this, PKR deputy president Mohamed Azmin Ali called on all Malaysians to seize the moment to bring about real and effective change in the country.

The announcement by Mahathir, who has been instrumental in bringing Umno to the pinnacle of power and success, means that he has finally turned his back on the party, Azmin said in a statement.

"The ramifications of such a drastic but courageous move are yet to be fully understood.

"Nevertheless, there is no doubt these will be far-reaching and will have a long-term impact on our political landscape."

The Selangor menteri besar said all the institutions of Malaysia’s constitutional democracy have been violated to an unprecedented level and the mother of all financial scandals has broken loose, with the perpetrators going about with absolute impunity.

Fundamental principles turned upside down

He said the fundamental principles of governance, such as accountability and transparency, have been turned upside down.

"Never in the history of our country has so much damage been wrought by so few.

"As a result, the citizens are paying a heavy price for the crimes of corruption and the abuse of power in Putrajaya.

"I call upon all Malaysians, regardless of political affiliation, race, creed or religion, to come together, for the time is indeed ripe for all of us concerned citizens to seize the moment and bring about real and effective change," Azmin added.

In announcing his resignation from the party yesterday, Mahathir said Umno should be voted out of power if it continued to back Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

"The party should be voted out of power. But the opposition doesn't have the majority," Mahathir added.