Utusan: Dr M and Co couldn't draw Malay crowd

The majority of protesters at Bersih 5 were Chinese, hence proving that Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his allies had little traction with Malays, said Utusan Malaysia.

In an editorial piece today under the name Awang Selamat, the daily said this was despite months of preparation and promotional efforts throughout the country.

"The majority of (Bersih 5) participants are still Chinese who support DAP.

"Mahathir, the founder of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia, Muhyiddin Yassin and Mukhriz Mahathir, were unable to attract the Malays," said Awang in the Analisis Mingguan column published today.

Awang, believed to be the pen name for Utusan's top editors, said Bersih 5 was "hambar (insipid)" without the participation of PAS and Malays.

"PAS' influence at the grassroots has much wider reach than PKR, Amanah and Bersatu," said Awang.

Lower turnout

Although there were many efforts to promote Bersih 5, the turnout was clearly lower than Bersih 4, said Awang.

This, said Awang, could be attributed to the alleged disgust of DAP supporters towards Mahathir's involvement in Bersih 5.

Other factors, said Awang, include how Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng was discredited after facing graft charges.

"Generally, people don't want to topple a government outside the democratic process. More specifically, the majority of Malaysians don't want to fall into Bersih's trap as they are funded from abroad.

"The people have shown maturity in in rejecting Bersih. Tahniah, tahniah, tahniah (congratulations)!" said Awang.

No mention of red shirts

Awang also urged Mahathir to reflect on his recent actions and how he had not remained consistent.

Awang said Mahathir was now holding hands with DAP and PKR, despite the former premier once having criticised both parties heavily.

"You talk about integrity, but how bersih (clean) are you?" asked Awang, citing how Mahathir's former nemesis Anwar Ibrahim had repeatedly raised issues about the wealth of former's children.

Meanwhile, Utusan Malaysia today made absolutely no mention of the red-shirts today, who held a counter-rally against Bersih 5 yesterday.

An estimated 4,000 people took part in the counter-rally, although their numbers dwindled as the day wore on.

In contrast, virtually every major newspaper featured the red-shirts on their frontpages. -Mkini