How can people still support Najib? Dr M's Ramadan bazaar tale

A visit to the Ramadan bazaar in Kampung Baru, a historical Malay enclave in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, has left Dr Mahathir Mohamad with a sense of bafflement.

So much so that the former premier decided to pen his experience in his blog.

By chance, Mahathir said he met the officer responsible for the decorations and upgrades at the bazaar and congratulated him on his excellent work.

Before he entered his car, the officer told Mahathir he was glad of being informed that the former premier would not be going to Sungai Besar and Kuala Kangsar.

"I was forced to explain (to the officer) that I would be campaigning in both places. The fasting month is not the time to be rude. I shall try to avoid using rude words.

"I cannot understand how there are people who still support (Prime Minister) Najib (Abdul Razak," he said.

Mahathir claimed that because of the extensive foreign media coverage of the allegations plaguing the prime minister and 1MDB, Malaysians are embarrassed.

"Najib himself had to run when the foreign media attempted to meet him. It is most humiliating when he was forced to use the back road to avoid being questioned," he said.

The former premier also cited the example of Brazil and other nations, where leaders are confronted with allegations of corruption and abuse of power.

Mahathir noted how the Brazilian president was ordered to go on leave until investigations against him were completed, as well as how Umno presidents and prime ministers in Malaysia resigned when it was clear that the people no longer supported them.

"But the evidence of Najib's wrongdoings is clear, and has been exposed throughout the world. He cannot deny them.

"Foreign newspapers and television channels have reported these issues with documents, images and letters on 1MDB’s missing billions and the money in his personal accounts.

"The Malaysian mainstream media do not report these things. But the social media shows the people are aware of the wrongdoings and no longer trust him.

"The people are demanding that he stop being the prime minister," he said.

As for the June 18 Kuala Kangsar and Sungai Besar by-elections, Mahathir said these contests were not to change the government or its policies.

"Even if BN loses, Najib's government would not collapse," he added.

However, Mahathir said if BN was defeated, it would send a clear message to Najib that the people rejected his leadership.

"My participation (in the by-elections) is only to explain to voters on the importance of rejecting Najib and supporting the Citizens' Declaration," he added.

Najib has denied abusing public funds for personal gain, and also explained that the sum in his accounts was a political donation.

He blamed these allegations on Mahathir and those in cahoots with the former premier to topple him from power.

Following investigations, attorney-general Mohamed Apandi Ali cleared the prime minister of any wrongdoing. -Mkini