Jakarta | Two hours after Dr Mahathir Mohamad resigned as Malaysia's Prime Minister on Monday he quit as chairman of his party and kicked off an almighty numbers game.

Months of scheming had finally brought down the government. Now the race is on to form a new coalition that can command a majority in parliament. Until then, Dr Mahathir is interim prime minister, appointed by the king to continue governing until a new PM is chosen and a cabinet formed.