Dr M brought on stage at Pakatan-organised anti-GST rally

(Malay Mail Online) – Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad made an unannounced appearance at a rally organised by Pakatan Harapan to protest against the Goods and Services Tax (GST) here today.

Dr Mahathir arrived at 5.20pm, close to the conclusion of the four-hour rally near Dataran Merdeka today.

He was then invited onto a makeshift stage by Parti Amanah Negara president Mohamad Sabu, in contrast to the former prime minister’s appearance at the Bersih 4 rally last year, when organisers did not let him take the stage.

In his speech, Dr Mahathir asked Malaysians to speak out louder to try and get the attention of the Malay Rulers, saying that Putrajaya was ignoring the people’s complaints against rising costs as well as the government’s alleged abuses.

“The Rulers will finally have to listen to the people,” he said in his brief speech, before thanking the attendees for braving the hot afternoon heat to be at the rally.

The uneventful rally ended shortly after Dr Mahathir’s speech.

Former Umno president Dr Mahathir has forged an alliance with parties in Pakatan Harapan for his Citizens’ Declaration demanding the prime minister’s resignation.

The GST was introduced a year ago yesterday and remains unpopular over its perceived inflationary effect on prices.