Old political enemies stand as one in bid to oust Najib

KUALA LUMPUR: It was a rare show of unity between old political enemies as they banded together during a press conference here yesterday.

Former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad— during whose tenure Lim Kit Siang from the DAP and PKR leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim were imprisoned — voiced out the reason why Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak should go.

He was seated next to PKR deputy president Datuk Seri Azmin Ali during the press conference, which was also attended by former political rivals Lim and Tun Dr Ling LiongSik from MCA — also sitting next to each other.

“We agree with concerns of the people that the country is led by someone who’s doing a lot of damage to our country,” Dr Mahathir said, as reported by Malay Mail.

“If he’s allowed to go on, the damage would be worse and worse.”

Former Malaysian Bar president Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan and Bersih 2.0 chair Maria Chin Abdullah were also present.

The ‘ citizens’ declaration’ that calls for Najib’s removal has 58 signatories, comprising Barisan-Nasional ( BN) veterans, opposition politicians and civil society leaders.

“We, the undersigned citizens of Malaysia, agree and support: the removal of Datuk Seri Najib Razak as the prime minister of Malaysia through non- violent and legally permissible means; the removal of all those who have acted in concert with him; a repeal of all the recent laws and agreements that violate the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Federal Constitution and undermine policy choices, and a restoration of the integrity of the institutions that have been undermined, such as the police, the MACC ( Malaysian Anti- Corruption Commission), Bank Negara and the PAC ( Public Accounts Committee),” the declaration reads, as it also expresses concern over the controversies surrounding state investment firm 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) and the RM2.6 billion deposited in Najib’s personal accounts.

Dr Mahathir told the press conference that a vote of no- confidence against Najib in Parliament was among the methods the group would consider, but pointed out that this would require support from the majority, including lawmakers from Umno — the largest party in the House.

When asked if the citizens’ movement would consider street protests should a no- confidence vote fail, Dr Mahathir pointed out that public demonstrations were illegal.

“You can only demonstrate in your house. Later on, you can only demonstrate in your bedroom,” he said with his usual sarcasm.

Prominent Umno politicians who signed the declaration include its suspended party deputy president and former deputy prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, former Kedah menteri besar Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir, and former minister Tan Sri Sanusi Junid.

Other prominent figures who used to be in Umno include former de facto law minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim and former Selangor menteri besar Tan Sri Muhammad Muhammad Taib.

Apart from Lim and Azmin, those from the opposit ion include Par ti Amanah Negara ( Amanah) president Mohamad Sabu and PAS election director Datuk Mustafa Ali.

PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang is not among the signatories.

Representatives from civil society included Hishamuddin Rais and C4 chief Cynthia Gabriel, besides Chin and Ambiga who heads the Malaysian Human Rights Society.

PAS federal lawmaker Datuk Mahfuz Omar told reporters that he had signed the citizens’ declaration in his personal capacity, saying: “Disciplinary matters are up to the party.”

Hadi reportedly said recently that he would not join any anti- Najib gathering.

Meanwhile, Bernama reported that government and Umno leaders had condemned Dr Mahathir for joining hands with the opposition against Najib.

A government spokesperson said Dr Mahathir and his former enemies ‘ had demonstrated the depth of political opportunism and desperation’.

Deputy Prime Minister and Umno vice president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said any move to bring down the Prime Minister outside the democratic process was illegal.

He said Malaysia had its own system of law and democracy for choosing the prime minister.

“Our laws must be obeyed and the democratic system that we have been upholding must continue to be honoured,” he told reporters in Jasin, Melaka.

Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak said Dr Mahathir’s anti- Najib alliance with opposition leaders was doomed from the start.

Their effort to oust Najib had failed and the signing of the declaration was ‘ just a face- saving exercise’, he said in a posting on his blog.

BN strategic communication director Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan said Dr Mahathir’s latest action would only strengthen Najib’s position as Prime Minister and Umno president.

“( His) col laborating with sworn enemies of Umno will only strengthen PM’s position within Umno. I thank you Tun,” he said in his twitter account.