Din explains why he rejects the Citizens’ Declaration

Blogger and political commentator also distances himself from electoral watchdog Bersih, whose leaders he says have become “politicians.”

(FMT) – Political commentator and bloggerBlogger and political commentator also distances himself from electoral watchdog Bersih, whose leaders he says have become “politicians.” has distanced himself from the Citizens’ Declaration, calling the former “a Mahathirian document.”

His main contention with the declaration, he said was the involvement of the “former Malaysian dictator” Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Another grouping that had lost focus in his view and hence his support, was electoral watchdog Bersih, that he was once a firm supporter of.

In a blog posting today, Din related how he had in 2007 took to the streets with the likes of Haris Ibrahim, the late Bernard “Zorro” Khoo and Raja Petra Kamarudin, during the Bersih 1 rally in November.

“Together, Malaysians brought down the (Abdullah Ahmad) Badawi regime in GE-12.

“Tun Abdullah was replaced by Mahathir’s mentee, Najib Razak, who took a beating in GE-13 and who is now our nightmare,” he said.

“The difference is that the movement now is being led by the man who supported Najib before. We do not want another Umno Prime Minister in the Mahathirian mould.”

Din recounted how he supported all Bersih rallies in the past, including Bersih 4.0 organised by Maria Chin Abdullah last year, which in his opinion “was marred by Tun Dr Mahathir’s presence.”

“If I had known that the former Malaysian dictator was going to be part of it, I would not have bothered to be there with Maria and Ambiga and their associates at Dataran Merdeka.

“Bersih has since lost its focus. The leaders have become politicians. So I will no longer support Bersih (not that it matters to them if I did or not).

“I will not endorse Mahathir’s Citizens’ Declaration,” he said, adding that DAP supremo Lim Kit Siang’s support for the declaration was also politically motivated.

Din also described PKR as a lost cause, and dismissed “Mat Sabu’s new party” (Amanah) as having nothing much to offer Malaysian politics.

“All of them are parties of political convenience.”

While agreeing that Najib’s administration must be removed through elections, Din said Umno should also no longer be a party of Mahathir and his son, Mukhriz, anymore.

“The challenge is how? We cannot do it if we allow Mahathir to lead the movement.”