Malaysia's new PM says no 'traitor' after turmoil

Malaysia's new prime minister insisted Monday he was no "traitor" after taking power without an election and with support from a scandal-tainted party, following political heavyweight Mahathir Mohamad's shock resignation.

"I know there are those who are angry with me -- I am not a traitor," Muhyiddin Yassin said in a televised address -- his first extensive comments since being inaugurated Sunday.

"I have a clear conscience. (I am here) to save the country from being battered by continued political uncertainty."