Malaysian former Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir Mohamad chaired a news conference in Kuala Lumpur along with opposition figures in Malaysia, and called for the removal of PM Najib Razak.

Leaders from across Malaysia's political spectrum joined to call for a national movement to remove the scandal-hit premier, in a dramatic escalation of a festering corruption crisis, AFP said.

"We call upon all Malaysians, irrespective of race, religion, political situation, creed or parties, young and old, to join us in saving Malaysia from the government headed by Najib Razak," read a joint statement endorsed by heavyweights from the ruling party, opposition, and top civil society groups.

Dr. Mohamad was recently queried by police over a blog post in which he allegedly attacked the Attorney General of the country.

Meanwhile, he has won the backing of his one time arch rival Anwar Ibrahim.