Cease personal attacks, rope in the rich: Zaid's 'Save Malaysia' proposals

Former law minister Zaid Ibrahim wants to end the hostilities between Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Anwar Ibrahim’s supporters and loved ones.

Apart from this, he is also seeking support from the "wealthy class" such as former finance minister Daim Zainuddin to help what is dubbed as the ‘Save Malaysia’ movement.

Zaid said he would be proposing these plans to Mahathir soon.

"There will be no more negative remarks about Anwar by movement leaders, including Mahathir.

"In fact, there will be no personal attacks of any kind, including from Anwar's supporters and loved ones against Mahathir. Enough is enough," he wrote on his blog today.

Zaid admitted that the movement was still grappling with sending the message of unity.

“In fact, we are inundated with acrimonious noises from the top leaders. Only yesterday, PKR’s Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail was scathing about how she believed the 'Save Malaysia' movement is Mahathir’s personal agenda.

“She also blamed him for attacking her husband’s character and personality.”

Zaid added that the movement must treat everyone who signed the Citizens’ Declaration with respect, especially if they are leaders of their respective political parties.

“We are not progressive enough for reforms if we are still allergic to Lim Kit Siang,” he said.

In an interview with The Australian, Mahathir (photo) had said Anwar was too old to become Malaysia's next prime minister.

The former premier also stood by his decision to sack his ex-deputy in 1998, saying the latter was "immoral."

Wan Azizah then expressed her regret for Mahathir’s continuous attacks against her husband.

As for seeking the support of the rich, Zaid said his appeal to "ordinary Malaysians did not get us enough for our first programme."

Apart from the aforementioned conditions, he also proposed that only leaders who believe in the key demands of the Citizens’ Declaration can be accepted as members of the movement’s policy-making body.

Meanwhile, Zaid also acknowledged how the 'Save Malaysia' movement have yet to start conducting big ceramahs.

However, the former minister said many were in the planning stages and will be announced soon.

“Mahathir and other leaders are already making the rounds in several places every week,” he said.

The movement’s current priority is to collect as many signatures for the Citizens’ Declaration as possible, which it hopes to submit to the Malay Rulers.

“The entire workforce of the 'Save Malaysia' movement is being mobilised for this purpose. Let’s hope we can meet the set target,” he said. -Mkini