Anwar throws support behind Dr Mahathir, others against Najib

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today threw his support behind Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, dissident Umno politicians and opposition leaders to push for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's resignation. The jailed politician expressed his support for his former mentor-turned-nemesis who will lead a movement tomorrow demanding Najib resign over alleged financial shenanigans. "I support the position of friends in civil society, political parties and individuals including Tun Dr Mahathir, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and others to build up strength and common understanding together as articulated by the leader of the opposition recently. "This understanding will focus on the demand for Datuk Seri Najib to resign as prime minister as he has clearly failed to lead this nation. He is responsible for continuing to engage in selfish political acts, wreaking havoc upon administrative institutions, and burdening the rakyat with continued economic crisis," Anwar said in a statement released by his party PKR. But he said the call for change must involve reforms at key institutions, which he said "have been badly damaged under the administration of Datuk Seri Najib". "All this while, in representing the voice and conscience of the rakyat, we have pledged to fight to return the rights of the rakyat in an independent and sovereign nation. "In line with this commitment, the rights of the rakyat must be returned through free and fair elections as well as an independent judiciary and free media," said Anwar. He also called for economic reforms with a new focus on economic growth and equitable distribution of wealth. "The 1MDB (1Malaysia Development Berhad) scandal involving the prime minister is the most severe scandal in our history and has badly damaged our nation's image. "This can only happen when power is centred in one individual such as the prime minister, as well as the failure of key financial, judicial and enforcement institutions to perform their tasks independently without fear or favour," he said. Anwar said history showed that any meaningful transition of power demanded a systemic change. "Therefore, I urge my friends and the rakyat to stand together in this effort without limiting it with personal agenda or personal vendetta. "We must together chart a new way forward to save our beloved nation," he added. Both Dr Mahathir, who left Umno earlier this week, and Muhyiddin, who was suspended as the Umno deputy president last week, had called for reforms in their campaign to remove Najib. Following his departure from Umno, Dr Mahathir reportedly held discussions with several opposition leaders. Earlier today, The Malaysian Insider reported that Dr Mahathir was expected to lead a movement against Najib, following his meetings with politicians and activists. It was learnt that Dr Mahathir would lead some 40 leaders to sign a declaration tomorrow seeking the removal of Najib as prime minister. The declaration will be symbolically presented to a people's representative, followed by a news conference. However, Pakatan Harapan today said it was not part of the event tomorrow. – March 3, 2016.]]>