#ICYMI: Weekly Editor's Picks (Feb 29 - March 6, 2016)

In case you missed it, here is a list of news handpicked by an Astro AWANI editor for the week beginning February 29 to March 6, 2016.

Among the top headlines are Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and wife quit UMNO, Petronas to lay off 1,000 employees within six months, and an earthquake with a 7.9-magnitude struck the Mentawai Islands, off the western coast of Sumatra in Indonesia.

Also some of the most read news included Tan Sri Muhyiddin says he will attend the March 27 gathering, the signing of ‘Citizens Declaration’ that calls for the resignation of Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak as Prime Minister, and also the Batu Gajah food poisoning.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 29:

Tun Mahathir and wife quit UMNO

Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad announced he is quitting UMNO with immediate effect. The announcement was made at a press conference held at his office at the Perdana Leadership Foundation in Putrajaya.

"My decision to leave UMNO is because it is no longer UMNO, it is a party dedicated to support Najib (Datuk Seri Najib Razak), protecting Najib and upholding what he does. I cannot be a member of such a party," the former premier said.

VIDEO: 'UMNO is no longer UMNO' - Tun M

Watch the video link above. Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad explains his reasons for leaving his beloved political party.

TUESDAY, MARCH 1:

Petronas to lay off 1,000 employees within 6 months

Petronas announced its new leadership team following a strategic review of its business operating model for better business efficiency, resilience and sustainability amidst challenging times for the oil and gas industry.

Pak Lah confident Najib capable of shaping Malaysia's future

Former Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is confident that Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak is capable of continuing the legacy of his father, Tun Abdul Razak Hussein, in shaping the future of Malaysia. Abdullah said since Najib took over the country's leadership from him on April 3, 2009, various transformation had taken place to bring Malaysia to greater heights.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2:

7.9-magnitude earthquake strikes Mentawai Islands, Indonesia

An earthquake with a 7.9-magnitude struck the Mentawai Islands, off the western coast of Sumatra in Indonesia at 8.49pm Malaysian time. According to the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), tremors were felt in Shah Alam, Subang and Klang in Selangor.

Indonesia Earthquake: Residents report tremors felt in PJ, Shah Alam, Kajang

The Selangor Fire and Rescue Department received several reports from members of the public in Petaling Jaya, Shah Alam and Kajang who claimed they felt some tremors. The department said the first report was received by the Petaling Jaya Section 7 Fire and Rescue Department on claims that some tremors were felt at the PKNS flats there.

THURSDAY, MARCH 3:

Muhyiddin says he will attend March 27 gathering

Suspended UMNO deputy president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said he will attend the March 27 gathering which calls for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to step down. Speaking at a press conference, Muhyiddin also confirmed that he had received an invitation to attend the event from its organiser, former Law Minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim.

FRIDAY, MARCH 4:

Tun M, Opposition leaders sign 'Citizens Declaration' seeking removal of Najib as PM

Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad signed a declaration with the country’s former leaders, Opposition leaders, political activists and leaders of non-governmental organizations (NGO). The declaration named ‘Citizens Declaration’ calls for the resignation of Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak as Prime Minister.

4 demands of 'Citizens Declaration'

Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, reading out the four demands of 'Citizens Declaration' in a press conference at PAUM Club House, Kuala Lumpur.

SATURDAY, MARCH 5:

Batu Gajah food poisoning: Four critical, 37 warded

A total of 37 people, aged between two to 71 years old, were admitted with four in a critical situation following food poisoning incident in Batu Gajah, Perak.

Batu Gajah food poisoning: Victims claim feeling ill minutes after eating

Victims of an alleged food poisoning case in Seputeh here in Perak, claimed that they had suffered from dizziness, nausea and almost fainted after eating breakfast at the stall, which allegedly contained toxic chemicals.

SUNDAY, MARCH 6:

MH370: Malaysian probe team arrives in Mozambique - Liow

The Malaysian team investigating the Flight MH370 case is in Mozambique to identify a piece of debris that was recently found there, which was suspected to be related to the doomed Malaysian Airlines jet.

Change of PM doesn't require GE, says Mahfuz

There is no need to wait until the next general election (GE) to change the prime minister of this country, Datuk Mahfuz Omar said, adding that there have been numerous cases in Malaysia where leadership had been changed without going through an election.