Tensions are rising in Malaysia's ruling Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition as Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad continues to welcome opposition members to his camp while saying that he will not hesitate to abandon his current partners if "they are not loyal to the country".

Tun Dr Mahathir had already ruffled feathers when he announced last Friday that his Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) would stretch its wings into Sabah - reneging on a deal with PH partners already established in the eastern state - ostensibly to allow former Umno members to join the coalition. Among them are five MPs and eight assemblymen who have refused to take up residence in existing Sabah parties. Then, it was revealed that the Premier had brokered a deal to obtain the backing of Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS) to fend off any possible internal coup against him.