Thousands of protesters chanting 'Reformation' and 'Long Live People' gathered for a rally in Malaysia, following allegations of financial crime against reigning Prime Minister Najib Razak. The rally has elevated the political tension in the country, where an election is expected within months.
Is Najib the enemy of the State?
Led by opposition political party, Pakatan Harapan and its leaders, the rally indicated the outrage of the general public against the financial scandals involving Prime Minister Najib Razak. Malaysian opposition parties believe that the scandal involving looting funds in 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) will turn many voters against Najib in the upcoming election.
While addressing the rally, Mahathir Mohammed, the chairperson of Pakatan Harapan, lashed out against Najib Razak stating that the reigning Prime Minister is the enemy of the state.
"Wherever we go all around the world, people will ask what had happened to the country. They used to look highly upon Malaysia. But, unfortunately, now they look at Malaysia with disgust because the country is helmed by a thief and robber," said Mahathir Mohammed, reports Malaysian Chronicle.
"Never before have we had a prime minister who is a thief. He steals so he can have a comfortable life," added Mahathir Mohammed.
Mahathir also requested everyone to vote for Pakatan Harapan for a better Malaysia in the future.
Most of the people who participated in the rally wore red T-shirts, an attire usually used by Mahathir's party supporters.
Najib Razak's political image at disgrace
Najib Razak was once the most influential leader among the general public, but his political image has faced a huge setback, as the United States Department of Justice filed civil suits to recover $1.7 billion USD alleged to have been misappropriated from the 1MDB fund.
During the rally, many people claimed that the country badly needed a leadership change, as Najib has now himself posed a threat to his integrity. People are also complaining about Najib's leadership for the uncontrollable price hike in the nation.
However, the economic rebound and strengthening ringgit currency are working in favor of Najib on the wake of the upcoming elections. Political experts believe that the last bill which Najib will present in the coming week will be loaded with plenty of people-centric initiatives, aimed to bring back his lost acceptance among common men in the nation.
In September, Najib introduced some public initiatives aiming to better the state of the Malay population in the country.
