KUALA LUMPUR: A Bersatu leader has criticised Pas' plan to hold a rally in support of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak on Jan 6.
Describing it as disappointing and politically opportunistic, Bersatu Federal Territories secretary Mahathir Mohd Rais said in a statement today that the rally exposed the opposition party's shifting stance and willingness to sacrifice principles for political gain.
"The leader who once accused his (Najib's) administration of being kleptocratic and corrupt is now calling for leniency and portraying him as a victim of injustice. This rally reflects a larger issue in Malaysian politics... leaders on both sides seem more focused on preserving their influence, rather than addressing the concerns of the people. The people are merely spectators in a political theater, where the powerful protect each other, regardless of which side they represent," said Mahathir, who is also Federal Territories Perikatan Nasional state secretary.
Previously, a letter from Pas went viral on social media, directing its members to gather for the 'Solidariti Bersama Najib Razak Menuntut Keadilan' rally on Jan 6.
The letter, issued by the party secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan, was addressed to the Pas commissioners of Selangor, Federal Territories, Negri Sembilan, Melaka, and Pahang, as well as the secretaries of the party's wings, informing them that the rally would take place starting at 9am at the Court of Appeal, Palace of Justice in Putrajaya.
The Court of Appeal has scheduled Jan 6 to hear Najib's appeal regarding the High Court's decision regarding the royal addendum.
On Saturday, Bersatu's information chief Datuk Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz said that the party leaders and members are free to join the rally led by Pas in the spirit of 'national reconciliation (perdamaian nasional)'.
He said that participation in the rally is also in line with the party's principles of upholding the constitution.