MP: Mahathir’s appearance shows repentance

(Free Malaysia Today) – The appearance of former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his wife Dr Siti Hasmah at the Bersih 4.0 rally last night has been described as “a historic moment for Malaysians”.

The MP for Klang, Charles Santiago, said the reason Mahathir had come to the rally was the former prime minister had changed his views.

Speaking to FMT in front of Masjib Jamek train station, occupied by rally participants, Santiago said: “It is a historic moment for Malaysia and I think it is a historic moment for Tun (Mahathir) himself. He was against freedom of speech and assembly and the fact that he has come here actually tells us that he has changed and ‘taubat’ (repented).

“More importantly he recognises that the only group that (can) bring fundamental change for Malaysia are the people of Malaysia. It is an acknowledgement from Tun himself, an endorsement of the people’s power through Bersih 4,” he said. Dr Mahathir’s daughter, social activist Marina, attended the Bersih 4.0 rally in London.

Santiago remained positive about the effect of Mahathir’s appearance and the people’s turnout for the rally. “I think Najib will now be sitting with his advisors trying to figure out what to do, because Tun’s endorsement is of such significance for Malaysia”. He said it would give further impetus to the campaign to get prime minister Najib Razak out of office.