KUALA LUMPUR: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed is ruining the party which kept him in power for 22 years, DAP national chairman Karpal Singh said.

The Bukit Gelugor member of parliament said Dr Mahathir was "unabashedly" showing his true colours.

"He has brought upon himself the ominous act of resigning from Umno with a view, obviously, to destabilise the government of Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

"Dr Mahathir has shown that he is incapable of becoming a statesman. He has been and remains a gutter politician."

Karpal said Dr Mahathir, identified by the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Lingam video clip as one of six personalities to be investigated, was the Barisan Nasional chairman and prime minister at the time the alleged offences were committed.
"He should be brave enough to remain an Umno member until he clears his name. Dr Mahathir should not panic and desert his party now.

"One who panics exhibits signs of weakness."

He said Dr Mahathir's resignation would not absolve him of the alleged improprieties and possible criminal offences committed by him during his tenure as prime minister.

"In fact, his resignation may well reflect his guilt."