KUALA LUMPUR, March 13 ― Several opposition politicians have accused Pakatan Harapan of betrayal for working with former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad in the “Save Malaysia” movement.
The New Sunday Times reported PKR member Badrul Hisham Shaharin, known as Chegubard, as saying at a forum last night that opposition leaders did not consult party members or supporters before signing the “Citizens’ Declaration” mooted by the Save Malaysia movement that calls for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s ouster.
“Pakatan Harapan has become lazy, and its leaders are only after power,” Badrul was quoted saying at the forum that reportedly saw the attendance of representatives from Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) as well as from NGOs like Solidariti Anak Muda Malaysia, Otai Reformis and Jaringan Rakyat Tertindas.
The Citizens’ Declaration announced early this month has over 40 signatories comprising Barisan Nasional (BN) veterans, leaders from major opposition parties PKR, DAP, Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) and PAS, as well as civil society leaders Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan and Bersih 2.0 chair Maria Chin Abdullah.
The alliance between the opposition and civil society with Dr Mahathir has also unsettled some activists who hold the country’s longest serving prime minister responsible for the current system of governance that they want reformed.
Bersih 2.0 issued a statement yesterday distancing itself from the Citizens’ Declaration, saying that Chin had signed it in her personal capacity.
Amanah working committee member Saari Sungib was quoted saying at the forum last night that he disagreed with his party’s move to endorse the Citizens’ Declaration.
“I would like to remind Pakatan Harapan that if Dr Mahathir says he is fighting for the people, he is lying. I urge the Pakatan Harapan leadership to review its decision to sign the declaration,” he reportedly said.
