Mahathir: This is a very strange group of people

LIVE REPORT

4.05PM: Mahathir is the first to sign the declaration, followed by his wife, Muhyiddin, Ling and Azmin. Following them, the rest are expected to ink the document.


4.00PM: Besides 1MDB, other concerns in the declaration are lack of freedom of speech, harassment of the media and whistleblowers, as well as Putrajaya's decision to sign the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement.

The main demands are:

- Removal of Najib as prime minister through non-violent and legally permissible means

- Removal of those who have acted in concert with him, and those who "covered up his misdeeds"

- Repeal of laws which violate the federal constitution

- Restoration of the integrity of undermined institutions such as the police, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), Bank Negara and the Public Accounts Committee.

3.55PM: Syed Saddiq says there will be a total of 58 signatories for the declaration. The first five to sign will be Mahathir, Siti Hasmah, Muhyiddin, Ling, and Azmin Ali.

3.50PM: Mahathir continues to read out the declaration.

The document highlights concern for the "damage dealt to the nation" by the Najib administration causing Malaysia to be listed among the 10th most corrupt.

The declaration also includes a length detailed summary of the 1MDB issue.

"We have one hour to go, so please be patient," Mahathir quips, drawing laughter from the crowd.

3.37PM: Mahathir says the public are concerned over what's happening in the country and have been complaining to the leaders.

However, till now, he adds, they have been speaking in "different tongues".

Mahathir claims this country is being led by a leader who is doing a lot of damage to the nation.

"We must rid ourselves of Najib as prime minister," Mahathir says, drawing applause from some of those present.

He says it is quite clear that irrespective of ideologies and beliefs, all can agree on the need to remove Najib.

He adds a declaration will be inked today, which among others includes the removal of Najib as well as the implementation of reforms after the prime minister is deposed.

3.35PM: Mahathir reads the summary of the declaration, which he terms as the "people's declaration".

"As you can all see this is a very strange group of people. There is only one thing in common - we are citizens of this country.

"We are not here as representatives of any party, NGO or group," he says.

3.20PM: Former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad arrives at the venue accompanied by his wife Dr Siti Hasmah Ali. The couple is greeted with a round of applause and chants of 'Hidup Tun'.

Also present are DAP supremo Lim Kit Siang, organising secretary Anthony Loke and Seputeh MP Teresa Kok.

Another unexpected attendee is PAS Dewan Ulama information chief Khairuddin Aman Razali.

3.15PM: Former Kedah menteri besar Mukhriz Mahathir and Selangor Menteri Besar Mohd Azmin Ali arrive. They are ushered into a VIP room.

Meanwhile in the seminar room, former Selangor menteri besar Muhammad Muhammad Taib, Asia's top debater Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, and Amanah's Mujahid Yusof Rawa are among those filing in.

3.10PM: Speaking to Malaysiakini, Mustafa says he is attending in his personal capacity.

"I received an invitation under my name," he says.

Asked if he is concerned about PAS taking action against him, he replies: "That does not arise because I am here following an invitation to attend."

3.05PM: PAS election director Mustafa Ali also makes a surprise entrance despite the party’s stand not to endorse the declaration.

3.00PM: Former deputy prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin arrives.

2.55PM: Former MCA president Dr Ling Liong Sik, former Bar Council chairperson Ambiga Sreenevasan, Amanah president Mohamad Sabu, former law minister Zaid Ibrahim and PKR vice- president Tian Chua are present.

2.50PM: Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) vice-president Salahuddin Ayub and former Umno man Khairuddin Abu Hassan arrive. Also present is Bersih chairperson Maria Chin Abdullah.

Others there are PKR's Tumpat MP Kamaruddin Jaafar and PAS lawmaker Mahfuz Omar.