Malaysia's new prime minister Muhyiddin: 'I'm not a traitor'

Leader defends rise to power while Mahathir readies challenge

20200302N Malaysia PM

Malaysia’s Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin signs a document in his office in Putrajaya, Malaysia, on March 2. © Malaysia Information Department via Reuters

TAKASHI NAKANO, Nikkei staff writer

KUALA LUMPUR -- New Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin on Monday rejected criticism that he betrayed the nation by aligning himself with a scandal-plagued opposition party.

"Listen, I am not a traitor," Muhyiddin said in a televised address. "My conscience is clear that the reason why I am standing here is to save the country from continuous chaos."

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