In a brief statement by the Prime Minister’s Office, it said the Cabinet had discussed Mahathir’s launching of the Citizens’ Declaration with Opposition leaders last week, which aims to topple the “democratically-elected government led by Najib Razak”.

This, it said, was against the law and the Federal Constitution.

“The Cabinet decided that since Mahathir is no longer supporting the current government, he should no longer hold any position related to the government.

“Therefore, the Cabinet today agreed unanimously to terminate the appointment of Mahathir as adviser to Petronas,” the statement read.

Following the Citizens’ Declaration initiative, which saw the participation of several key Opposition leaders, including DAP supremo Lim Kit Siang and PKR Deputy President Mohamed Azmin Ali, several quarters called for the elderly statesman to be removed from top GLC posts.

Apart from Petronas, Mahathir is also Proton Holdings chairman, a post he has held since 2014. Malaysia’s longest-serving premier is also the Perdana Leadership Foundation chairman.

Last week, 58 individuals, comprising politicians from both sides of the divide, civil society leaders and activists, signed the Citizens’ Declaration calling for Najib’s removal as well as institutional reforms.