Dr M setting bad example, says Azalina
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Azalina Othman Said is the latest to rain criticism on Dr Mahathir Mohamad for his appearance on both days of the Bersih 4 rally over the weekend.
On the same note, Azalina praised former deputy prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin and former minister Mohd Shafie Apdal for not attending the rally.
Expressing sadness over Mahathir's action, she said the former prime minister was setting a bad example for the younger generation regarding politics.
"I am sad because our youth, who are new to the political arena, will see this as our leaders’ culture where a leader goes against the law.
"I praise Muhyiddin and Shafie for not attending the rally because this is not our way," Azalina ( photo ) told a press conference today.
Mahathir, 90, is currently being investigated for criminal defamation over his remarks to the press during the rally.
Azalina also dismissed the impact of Bersih 4, claiming it did not even represent even one percent of the population.
She also challenged Penang chief minister and DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng to hold the rally on an annual basis in Penang or Selangor which are governed by the federal opposition.
"Why not hold it in the centre of George Town? Please organise in Penang. I will be more than happy and perhaps, it will become part of the Visit Penang Year event," she said.
Photo stomping may lead to May 13-type clash
The rally could be seen as an attempt by certain quarters to threaten public order and to break the community apart, she said.
The stomping of the photograph of Najib and an Islamic leader is provocative, which may led to racial clashes like the May 13 tragedy, Azalina said in a statement today.
According to her, the perpetrator may be charged under the Sedition Act and face a maximum imprisonment of three years for first the offence, with a subsequent offence facing a maximum five-year jail sentence.
Those who carried dangerous weapons could be charged under Section 144 of the Penal Code and liable to a maximum of two years in jail if found guilty, she said.
The Pengerang parliamentarian pointed out the RM2.4 million given to Bersih was questionable as the electoral watchdog may be in cahoots with external parties which sourced out the contribution to topple the government.
"I urge the police to conduct an in-depth investigation on this matter," she said.
It was regrettable to see parliamentarians supporting and taking part in the rally, she added.
"This should not have happened as this is against the principle of the Rukunegara embraced by every lawmaker," said Azalina.
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