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Dr Mahathir says Najib's actions have ruined democracy

KUALA LUMPUR — In his latest outburst, former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said today (Oct 7) that current Premier Najib Razak’s administration has “destroyed democracy” in the country by threatening and taking action against people who expose Mr Najib’s wrongdoings.

Former Malaysian prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad. Reuters file photo

Former Malaysian prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad. Reuters file photo

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KUALA LUMPUR — In his latest outburst, former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said today (Oct 7) that current Premier Najib Razak’s administration has “destroyed democracy” in the country by threatening and taking action against people who expose Mr Najib’s wrongdoings.

“The country’s image has changed to be like a police state where laws are misused to put fear into the people. The wrongdoings of the government and Prime Minister cannot be mentioned,” the former Prime Minister wrote in his latest blog post today. The outspoken former premier has been campaigning for the removal of Mr Najib, who is under scrutiny over alleged financial scandals.

Dr Mahathir also took aim at pro-government Red Shirt protesters, calling its Sept 16 rally a “racist demonstration”, and slammed Putrajaya for allowing it to take place despite declaring an earlier anti-government rally, Bersih 4, to be illegal. The former premier argued that the government saw Bersih 4 as “racist, and an attempt by the Chinese to bring down a Malay government”.

“There is no democracy left to be toppled by the people, because democracy has already been destroyed by the government,” he added.

Dr Mahathir also weighed in on the arrest of former United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) Batu Kawan deputy chief Khairuddin Abu Hassan under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act.

Mr Khairuddin lodged a police report against the troubled sovereign wealth fund 1MDB in December last year, and was subsequently sacked from the party when he declared bankruptcy. 

He also recently lodged reports with the authorities in Hong Kong, Switzerland, France and the United Kingdom against the firm, where Mr Najib is the advisory board chairman.

Mr Khairuddin was reportedly on his way to meet Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) officials in the United States when he was barred from leaving Malaysia.

“How can those who lodge police reports about a crime that has happened be accused of being terrorists? These things frighten the people, especially UMNO members and its small-minded leaders. They know that something wrong is going on. But their mouths are closed. Their ears are closed too,” wrote Dr Mahathir today. AGENCIES

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