‘Soon Malaysians can only demonstrate in their bedrooms’

Mahathir Mohamad pokes fun at country's lack of democracy and freedoms.

PETALING JAYA: After attacking Najib Razak’s handling of the 1MDB issue, former Premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad also condemned the prime minister’s “assault” on democracy and freedoms.

He said sarcastically that soon all Malaysians would only be able demonstrate in their bedrooms.

Mahathir said this during the much-anticipated media conference which gathered influential political and NGO leaders of the country.

He said this when asked whether he would consider holding a street protest if his plan to oust Najib through a no-confidence vote in Parliament failed.

“We are not allowed (to hold a rally) in this democratic country.

“You can’t demonstrate on the streets — only in your house. Then later, you can demonstrate only in your bedroom,” he said in jest, drawing laughter from the audience.

During his premiership, Mahathir was firm against those who demonstrated on the streets.

However, during the Bersih 4.0 rally last year, Mahathir made an appearance and continued with his criticism of Najib at the event.

Mahathir has been at the forefront of a year-long campaign to oust Najib through his speeches, statements and blog, chedet.cc.

He had previously succeeded in ousting his successor, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, which then led to Najib taking over the number one position in the country.

On Monday, Mahathir announced that he and his wife, Siti Hasmah Ali, had left Umno as a sign of protest against Najib’s administration.