#ICYMI: Weekly Editor's Picks (Feb 29 - 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.

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.

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

TUESDAY, MARCH 1:

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.

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:

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.

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:

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.

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.

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:

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.

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:

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.