Anti-Mahathir comments dominated Malaysian cyberspace following Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's shock decision to quit Umno. Netizens rallied against the 82-year-old former Malaysian Prime Minister and urged him to stop the excessive politicking that is destroying the country.

Since Umno's embarrassing showing in the last federal elections, the turmoil that had since rocked Umno reached its pinnacle with Dr Mahathir's shock decision to quit Umno.

In his latest salvo, the fiery Dr Mahathir had urged other Umno members to follow suit and resign to protest against Datuk Seri Abdullah, announcing that he would only rejoin when Mr Adullah stepped down as party president, chairman of Barisan Nasional and prime minister.

So far, his move to undermine Abdullah seemed to have backfire, with Umno MPs pledging thier loyalty to Abdullah in a hastily called meeting yesterday.

As of this morning, only Dr Mahathir's wife, second son Datuk Mokhzani Mahathir and former Kedah menteri besar Sanusi Junid had announced their resignation. In addition, 300 members of an Umno branch in the state of Kedah said they were quitting too.

Public support for Dr Mahathir also seemed to be non-existent, with many netizens dismissing Dr Mahathir as a spent force and apparently cheering his departure from Umno as goods news for Umno and Malaysia alike.

Said "AN Ewe" on Malaysiakini.com: "Mahathir has quit from Umno? Absolutely delighted to hear the good news! Amazed it took the good doctor so long to figure out this strategic cum tactical move, actually".

Here is an edited sampling of other views:

Marion Tharsis, Malaysiakini.com reader:
He is again harping on racial matters that could incite and stir trouble and unrest. If you notice, he has nothing good to say about anybody (except about his very small circle of friends who are discarded by the world) and seems to get his pleasure by causing chaos and confusion. His modus operandi has not changed a bit i.e. drive in fear and keep the people divided.

I think the Umno leaders are wise enough not to jeoprdise their positions listening to a spent force who will only lead them to their ruin. He is history and should be kept in the past. Remember, united you stand, divided you fall. No one benefits at the end.

Stephen Ng, Malaysiakini.com reader:
Almost every other day, Dr Mahathir Mohamad?s obsession and hatred against Abdullah Ahamd Badawi is driving us mad.

As a rakyat, I wish to urge the former prime minister not to think that he is the all-powerful pharaoh that his opponents in politics had called him. He certainly cannot think that he is the one to appoint someone as prime minister today and then call for that person?s resignation at his own whim and fancy.

Hibiscus, Malaysiakini.com reader:
He should retire quietly and not stir up things that remind people of the unpleasant 22 years of his rule so that Malaysians can move forward as one nation and find its place in the ever challenging globalised environment.
Ron Liamsi, Malaysiakini.com reader:

A message to all leaders who have outlived their times yet still think they are omnipotent and powerful. Remember what Mahatma Gandhi once said, ?When I despair, I remember that all through history the ways of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants, and murderers, and for a time they can seem invincible, but in the end they always fall. Think of it - always?.

Hamdan Ibrahim, NST Online reader:
Excessive politicking is not good for the country and one can only hope that our political leaders will settle their political differences once and for all as there are more pressing national matters that need to be attended to.

As a former prime minister, Dr Mahathir should not sully his dignified position by involving himself in petty politics and making scathing attacks on his successor.

Micheal Ng, NST Online reader:
I AGREE with former deputy prime minister Tun Musa Hitam that a "thorn in the flesh" of Umno has been removed with Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's decision to quit the party.

After the setbacks suffered by the Barisan Nasional in the March 8 general election, many from the ruling coalition have not come to terms with the fact that the people had spoken out loud and clear.

The role of the PM is indeed a lonely responsibility and it is for this reason the PM needs the support of his own party and those within the ruling coalition. Instead, he has often been the target of subtle threats from them.
Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi doesn't need to have retired politicians taking pot-shots at him every now and then.

SMS comment by a The Star Online reader:
DR M showing tantrum like a child. Pak Lah shuld just ignore him n get on with job.

DR M resigns from Umno. So what's the big deal?

I FEEL sad dat politicians rather quarrel than find ways to fight inflation, social injustice, corruption, and build-up economy. Get ur priorities right, YBs!

NO ONE is above d party. Dr M quitting Umno is his own decision. He shud not use it 4 his political mileage by urging others 2 follow suit. He has served his time.

PAK LAH, pls continue to strengthen Umno and BN. Finally one obstacle is cleared.