'There's no third force in Malaysian politics now'

Former de facto law minister Zaid Ibrahim today denied that the movement to Save Malaysia is building up to be a "fourth force" in Malaysian politics.

"In Malaysia today there is no third force. There is only the right force and the wrong force.

"The people who are on our side, who want the truth to prevail, who want change, they are the ones on our side.

"Others who are directly or indirectly supporting them (Barisan Nasional), to me they are the ones against what is right. So we are not the fourth force, we are the right force," Zaid said during a press conference at his house in Petaling Jaya.

Zaid said this when asked for comment on the new opposition bloc formed by PAS and Parti Ikatan Bangsa Malaysia (Ikatan) yesterday.

He had earlier confirmed that the March 27 gathering to oust Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak – now dubbed The People's Congress 2016 – would be held at the Shah Alam Convention Centre.

Zaid said the gathering would be attended by leaders from political parties and civil society groups, as well as individual signatories to the Citizens' Declaration.

"(Former prime minister) Dr Mahathir Mohamad will be delivering the key-note address and the other leaders present will debate it," he said.

He said among Umno leaders who would be present are former deputy prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin and former Kedah menteri besar Mukhriz Mahathir.

Responsible citizen

On participation from PAS, Zaid said he hoped the party leaders present during the Citizens' Declaration signing ceremony would continue their support of the movement.

"As far as I know, PAS supports Najib but Mahfuz is here... For me, the issue of party (support) can be resolved later," he added.

Also present at the press conference was Pokok Sena MP Mahfuz Omar who clarified that he is supporting the movement in his personal capacity.

"I was asked why I supported the movement. Wouldn't it be better to wait for the next general election when the people will be very angry with Najib?

"As a responsible citizen, I cannot bear to see our country be destroyed further. As someone who loves the country, I do not have the heart to see such destruction," Mahfuz said.

The two PAS leaders present at the signing of the Citizens' Declaration were party elections director Mustafa Ali and Ulama Council information chief Khairuddin Aman Razali. -Mkini