The PKR president said he himself had nominated Mahathir to avoid a prolonged crisis.

"I would like to stress one thing - I will never work with the corrupt. Far from it, I won't form a government with them."

On the property division, the company said revenue increased to RM700.3 million from RM631.2 million in FY18.

This set off a dizzying round of manoeuvres that at first put Mahathir in a position to call the shots for the formation of a new government but the tide quickly turned against him when he floated the idea of drawing candidates for the cabinet without regard for party lines.

This was conveyed by a statement from the coalition which also condemned efforts to form a “backdoor government” involving “traitors and kleptocrats”.

Thomas submitted his resignation letter to Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad who appointed him to the post for a two-year term which was due to end only in June.

Gabungan Parti Sarawak, which holds 18 seats, is understood to be backing Muhyiddin and is expected to announce its support.

Internationally, however, the situation is not all that rosy as new COVID-19 “hotspots” have erupted although, on a more positive note, China's new infection numbers and fatalities are declining.

The Agong says no particular MP now has the support of the majority of MPs to form a new govt.

Castanea is the second phase of the freehold Bywater Homes project in Setia Alam. The first phase comprising 202 units of 2-storey terraced homes and 48 units of 2-storey linked semidees have been 90% sold to date.