Fight or retire? Marina talks about father at protest against new gov't

Marina Mahathir was among more than 100 people who turned up in Kuala Lumpur this evening despite police warnings, to protest against the new Perikatan Nasional government which was installed through a coup. 

Marina's father, Dr Mahathir Mohamad, was outmanoeuvred by Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin, who was this morning sworn in as the new prime minister and will head a new Perikatan Nasional government comprising Bersatu, BN, PAS and GPS.

Mahathir, who is the Bersatu chairperson, had tried to revive his previous government comprising Pakatan Harapan, Warisan, Bersatu rebels and other minor parties but fell short.

As protester chanted condemnations at what they claimed was a "backdoor government", Marina was asked what her 94-year-old father's next course of action will be: To fight or retire?

After a pause, Marina said: "Let me put it this way, my father loves the country... His motto in Alor Setar is watan iman, which means land (country) and faith.

"The only reason he came back (return to politics) is to save the country because he loves it. And let nobody say any different.

"I'll leave it up to him how he wants to continue to show how much he loves this country but never ever let anyone say he does not," she said.

The protest this evening was held under the watchful eyes of the police who cautioned the participants against taking part in the protest, dubbed "Save Malaysia" peaceful assembly.

The protest was organised by the Save Malaysia Demonstration Committee against the formation of the backdoor government.

The group was later allowed by the cops to march to Dataran Merdeka on conditions they must not raise placards and not walk on the tarred road.

Malaysia Demonstration Committee spokesperson Amir Abd Hadi said more protest will be held until things are done right to fix the political mess.

"This will happen organically as the people are very unhappy with the way the new government formed," he says.

"Until the right thing is done, I think there will be more protest," says Amir. - Mkini