Dr M: Why I went to the rally

KUALA LUMPUR: Former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad today said all avenues to change the prime minister according to the law and the Federal Constitution have been shut down by Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak.
“In view of this, the only way to remove the prime minister and save the country is through the voice of the people and a vote of no confidence in the Dewan Rakyat.
“This is the reason I had to participate in the rally organised by Bersih, which was aimed at forcing Najib to quit.
“I appeal to all Umno and Barisan Nasional MPs to support the vote of no confidence against Najib. BN will not fall without Najib, it still remains the majority party,” he said in his latest blog posting.
He said that as long as Najib remained in power, the economy would continue to deteriorate, the value of the ringgit would drop further, the cost of living would continue to increase due to the GST, the nation’s debts would pile up and remain unpaid, unemployment rates would increase, and billions of ringgit belonging to the rakyat will be misused.
“This is what awaits Malaysia because of Najib. He will continue to deny it, but the state of the country now is terrible,” he added.
Mahathir said he never agreed with street rallies as there were other avenues to pressure the government when it abused its powers.
“We could lodge police reports and the Attorney-General would take action and those responsible could be brought to court.
“But now, Najib has dissolved and destroyed these institutions which were tasked with safeguarding the interests of the people,” he said.
He said all avenues to investigate 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) and the RM2.6 billion in Najib’s account had ceased to exist.
“If Najib won because of money, he would need a lot more to remain as prime minister and for the coming general election. From where would more billions come from ... if not illegally? he asked.