Dr Mahathir’s presence at Bersih 4 not enough to get rid of Najib, say analysts
(TMI) – Those who hold the key to Najib’s continued tenure as the country’s sixth prime minister are in Parliament and his fellow colleagues in the Umno Supreme Council.
Putrajaya’s high-handedness in the days running up to the Bersih 4 rally back-fired as the event brought together a bigger than expected crowd, estimated at 300,000, and it earned the organisers a morale victory with the surprise appearance of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, analysts said.
They said the rally not only united Malaysians from all walks of life but for the organisers, electoral reform group Bersih 2.0, the appearance of Dr Mahathir indicated his tacit support for the gathering.
Although the former prime minister had clearly stated that his only intention in showing up was to join Malaysians in pressuring Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to step down, his presence nonetheless brought renewed vigour to the organisers and rally-goers.
The two-day gathering which ended last night, was not only to demand that Najib step down but also for institutional reforms.
Analysts, however, cautioned against celebrating too early as they said that the presence of Najib’s supporter-turned-chief critic would not be enough to pressure the prime minister to quit.
“It’s a small morale victory for Bersih but too little too late to make much of a difference in the rally itself.
“Dr Mahathir has to sustain it by embracing Bersih’s objectives, which I do not think he would do,” said Dr Lim Teck Ghee of Centre for Policy Initiative (CPI).
