We want a system change - Rafizi’s condition for Dr M

After failing to convince those in Umno to take up arms, Dr Mahathir Mohamad appears to be seeking new allies for his war against Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

However, PKR vice-president Rafizi Ramli is far from enthusiastic about enlisting unless the former premier agrees to a total overhaul.

Yesterday, PAS lawmaker Mahfuz Omar, after a meeting with the former premier, claimed that Mahathir agreed political parties should set aside differences and work towards removing Najib from power.

The pair was also of the opinion that discussions on who should replace Najib be held later because at this stage, it would lead to a dispute between the parties.

Commenting on this, Rafizi stressed that PKR always advocated a system, and not personality change.

“In fact, we witnessed how the public's endorsement of Abdullah Ahmad Badawi (as a replacement of Mahathir) in 2004 plummeted the country into worsening decay each year to bring us where we are today,” he told Malaysiakini.

Emphasising the need for a complete system change, Rafizi said the prime minister “can do what he did and get away with it” because the system allowed for it.

“I will be very apprehensive to discuss, let alone commit to any plan that relegates reform agenda to a lower priority in exchange for a new prime minister.

“As we discuss this, (former opposition leader and PKR de facto leader) Anwar Ibrahim languishes in prison for his non-compromising pursuit of reforms instead of personality change,” he added.

On this note, Rafizi vowed to object to any suggestion that compromises reform, at the Pakatan Harapan presidential council.

Getting nowhere with Umno

Since last April, Mahathir has embarked on a blistering campaign to oust Najib after accusing the latter of numerous misdeeds.

However, the former premier’s agenda did not gain traction within Umno despite his warning that if Najib remained at the helm, the party could be vanquished in the next national polls.

One of his staunch supporters, former law minister Zaid Ibrahim, has also urged Malaysians to rally behind Mahathir.

He has since proposed holding a gathering on March 27 to demand for Najib’s resignation.

The prime minister has denied corruption allegations against him, saying they are fabricated to engineer his downfall. -Mkini