Citizens' Declaration will have great impact on next GE, says Zaid

The Citizens' Declaration has evoked mixed responses, but former law minister Zaid Ibrahim is confident that it will have a "great impact" on the next general election.

Commenting on the event held at the Persatuan Alumni Universiti Malaya clubhouse last Friday, Zaid, who was one of the signatories, said the gathering was a great start to a "long and ardous journey."

"It is historic and will have a great impact on the next election," he added in his latest blog post today.

The former minister also said this was the time to start preparing for a "mental revolution" of the rakyat.

"The (rakyat) must know that their best interests can be served only by leaders who are clean. The moment of truth has arrived," he added.

Although the declaration might seem "simplistic and unreal", Zaid said that it signified a "momentous time in history".

"It's a declaration by the people who are rejecting corrupt leaders. This has never happened before," he noted.

According to him, this is the reason why the next election would be about corruption and abuse of power.

He noted that the declaration also demonstrated the willingness on the part of the people to be united, despite their deep political differences.

"This collaboration will also be historic for marking the start of PAS' demise. PAS members will never forgive their president (Abdul) Hadi Awang after the next general election.

"Once Mohamad Sabu, Husam Musa and other Amanah leaders roam the towns and villages with the help of Muhyiddin (Yassin) and other Umno operators, all hell will break loose in Johor, Kelantan, Perak and Kedah," he said.

Zaid said former opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim’s support for Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s initiative would also be remembered.

"Anwar has shown the world that personal travails do not obscure his vision and his concern for the country.

"This will endear him to many voters, especially the young. I would like to go to Sungai Buloh (prison) to shake his hand, but I am not sure they will allow me," he added.

Anwar is serving a five-year prison term for a sodomy conviction. He claims the charge was fabricated but the government has denied it.

Last Friday, a total of 58 signatories, including Mahathir’s political foes and NGO leaders critical of his leadership, had inked the declaration.

The declaration seeks the removal of Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak and the reform of key institutions and agencies.

The prime minister has denied the allegations against him, and blamed them on those attempting to engineer his downfall. -Mkini