I don't care about Bersih's demands, I am here for Najib's resignations," says Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
Mahathir, who has contradicted DPM Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's earlier claim that the former PM has only spent six minutes in his flash visit yesterday and is hence of little significance, ends his press conference expressing unequivocal support for the rally.
As he prepares to leave after his press conference, Mahathir tells reporters that he is not planning to stay on with Bersih 4 protesters at Dataran Merdeka who are remaining until midnight.
"No, no, I think I have shown my stand here that I support this demonstration against the government.
"My spirit is with you all," says the 90-year-old former premier.
Still at his press conference, Mahathir is asked about Prime Minister Najib Razak's remark that participants of the Bersih 4 do not love the country.
Mahathir replies to the contrary, saying, "He is the one who doesn't love the country. We gave him power to become prime minister, what does he do?"
"He is using (people's) money," adds Mahathir.
Mahathir is asked why he is now supporting street demonstrations against the government when he had cracked down on them as prime minister.
The former prime minister replies, "If the government no longer cares about the law, then people have to resort to demonstrations".
Mahathir adds that this is the "last option".
"Look at Marcos, he was ruling the Phillippines and they (the people) had to overthrow him," he says.
Former PM Dr Mahathir Mohamad speaking at a press conference at a restaurant, says he is not supporting Bersih specifically but the rakyat.
"I support the rakyat, not Bersih. Bersih is also (made up) of the rakyat, they also dislike Najib," he says.
He adds that claims he was pro-Bersih was to smear his name.
Mahathir admits this is the first time he is joining a street protest like Bersih 4.
"This is the first time like this," he says.
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