Mahathir Mohamad, Malaysia's influential ex-prime minister, has called for a “people’s power” movement to intensify the efforts of a marathon 34-hour weekend protest to oust his scandal-hit successor.

The 90-year old former premier spoke as thousands of demonstrators returned to the streets of Kuala Lumpur to call for the resignation of Najib Razak, who denies allegations of corruption linked to a troubled state investment fund.

“The only way for the people to get back to the old system is for them to remove this prime minister,” said Mr Mahathir, who ruled for 22 years and has turned from Mr Najib's mentor to his sworn enemy. “And to remove him, the people must show people’s power. The people as a whole do not want this kind of corrupt leader.”