The Citizens’ Declaration was signed on March 4 but the mainstream media has zeroed in on Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad working with DAP’s Lim Kit Siang. – The Malaysian Insider file pic, March 13, 2016.Although the signatories of the Citizens’ Declaration consist of many political foes and allies, Malay daily Utusan Malaysia has drawn attention to Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Lim Kit Siang, questioning who will benefit the most from the alliance seeking to oust Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
Awang Selamat, the pseudonym for the Umno-owned paper’s weekend edition Mingguan Malaysia collective editorial team, also said many saw the declaration as having no impact because of the lukewarm response from the public more than a week after its launch.
“The situation is the same when Dr Mahathir attended the two-day Bersih rally that was monopolised by DAP, it doesn’t have any effect.
“It means, the public, especially the Malays, cannot accept the fact that Dr Mahathir is in alliance with DAP and its adviser, Lim Kit Siang,” Awang said.
He said several reports in the Chinese media also indicated scepticism about the direction of the declaration.
“It seems like the Chinese are also not excited. Many non-governmental organisations are also against it. The opposition is not on the same page. And despite supporting the declaration, its leader, (Datuk Seri Dr) Wan Azizah Wan Ismail is also cynical in saying ‘It’s Mahathir who is weak, he needs the opposition’,” Awang said.
He also touched on Lim’s refusal to answer the question whether he trusted Dr Mahathir as both leaders were now united.
“The refusal to answer the question can be interpreted that it is impossible for Kit Siang to trust Dr Mahathir, even if the former prime minister joins DAP, he will be suspected.
“And Dr Mahathir is synonymous with the image of end justifying the means, which makes Kit Siang cautious.
“So, Awang is keen to see who will be used and at the end who will benefit the most, Dr Mahathir or Kit Siang.” – March 13, 2016.
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