Minister warns Mahathir against provoking anti-government hatred

KUALA LUMPUR — Dr Mahathir Mohamad could be detained if he continues to incite hatred towards the government, warned Deputy Home Minister Nur Jazlan Mohamed, after the authorities arrested scores of activists and opposition leaders in the run-up to and after Saturday’s (Nov 20) Bersih 5 rally.

Mr Jazlan said while Dr Mahathir should be respected as one of the country’s former premiers, his continued criticism against the administration of Prime Minister Najib Razak — the latest at the mass demonstration — could leave the authorities with no choice but to detain the veteran leader. But he said the authorities were also cautious as Dr Mahathir may be intentionally provoking a response in order to get arrested and gain public sympathy.

“We know Dr Mahathir wants to get arrested but we will not fall into his trap,” Malay broadsheet Utusan Malaysia quoted Mr Jazlan as saying.

Tens of thousands of protesters, clad in yellow shirts and undeterred by the arrests of activists and opposition leaders, marched in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday demanding that Mr Najib step down over alleged financial irregularities in state investment firm 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).

The rally was organised by electoral reform group Bersih 2.0. Bersih — the Malay word for “clean” — is an alliance of NGOs and civil society groups that champions electoral and government reforms.

Fears of clashes between Bersih and a pro-government group called Red Shirts mounted earlier this week after the latter threatened to target Bersih supporters, though no major clashes were reported on Saturday.

At the Bersih rally, Dr Mahathir had charged that Mr Najib was “no longer suitable to be the Prime Minister”, adding that the latter was abusing the law.

He also claimed the country was in a crisis under Mr Najib’s leadership.

Mr Najib rejected such claims on Sunday and instead, hit out at Dr Mahathir’s presence at the gathering, noting that it was a clear departure from how the latter had treated such mass demonstrations during his 22-year tenure as Prime Minister.

Meanwhile, Communications and Multimedia Minister Salleh Said Keruak said on Sunday large crowds at rallies would not put food on the table, pointing out that voters want to see concrete plans and policies as well as how their future can be improved.

“In any election anywhere in the world, it is always bread and butter issues, and this is what the government is going to focus on,” he wrote on his blog.

Analysts had said Saturday’s demonstration is unlikely to unseat Mr Najib, who has denied any wrongdoing over controversies surrounding 1MDB and has consolidated power by cracking down on dissenters.

Nearly 20 activists and opposition leaders, including Bersih chairperson Maria Chin Abdullah, have been arrested since Friday. Most have been released but Ms Maria will be detained for 28 more days under a security law meant for terrorists.

Ms Maria’s eldest son, Mr Azumin Mohamad Yunus, on Sunday demanded that the authorities release her, saying that detention under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act would endanger her health.

Apart from sleep deprivation as a result of her in solitary confinement, Mr Azumin said his mother is also suffering from hypertension, osteoarthritis and high cholesterol level.

“When I met my mother at the Dang Wangi police headquarters on Sunday, she told us that she was living in a small cell with no proper bed, no blanket, windows and the lights were left on all the time,” he said.

“Although she was in high spirits, these have cause sleep-deprivation and we fear for her health as she was even forced to skipped a medical check-up that day because of her detention.” AGENCIES