The opposition’s move to orchestrate demonstrations to bring down the government, which has been democratically elected, will only threaten the country's peace and harmony, said former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

He said their approval of street demonstrations, as was happening of late, was an unhealthy development for the country and would only affirm the wishes of foreign quarters who want (opposition leader) Anwar Ibrahim as prime minister.

“There are some parties, including (PAS spiritual leader) Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat who allow demonstrations as a way to bring down the government. It seems he doesn’t believe in the democratic system which is used to choose the government without violence.

“Now demonstrations are the chosen method to destroy the government. I think this is unhealthy because our country will not be peaceful if we support violent acts.  

“There are other quarters who want a new government with Anwar as the prime minister,” he said.

Mahathir also said that elections in the country were clean and fair and if this was not the case, the opposition would not be able to win many seats or even states.

Thus, he said, it was not necessary for the opposition to resort to street demonstrations for clean and fair elections.

He said this to the media after the attending a discourse titled ‘The Challenge of Muslims Today: Perception and Reality’ organised by the Terengganu government in collaboration with the Terengganu Integrity and Strategic Studies Institute in Kuala Terengganu today.

Some 5,000 people attended the discourse. Also present was Terengganu Menteri Besar Ahmad Said.

‘DAP’s horse from the beginning’

Meanwhile, commenting on Anwar’s statement that he (Anwar) would rather be a trojan horse for the DAP if it would allow him to capture Putrajaya in the coming general election, Mahathir said this was nothing new.

“He (Anwar) has been DAP’s horse from the beginning so this matter is not new,” he said.

Anwar, who is also Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) adviser, was reported as saying at the Perak Opposition Coalition Convention in Ipoh recently that he trusted DAP leaders and listened to their advice more compared to any leaders in Umno.

Mahathir also urged Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) deputy president Azmin Ali to take legal action on the spread of photographs allegedly showing  Azmin in various compromising positions with a woman recently.

Mahathir said suing the responsible party was the most appropriate move to clear his name.

“He can deny that it isn’t him, but I hope he brings this to court. Sue for defamation worth RM100 million...or RM500 million...doing that (spreading the photos) was to embarrass Azmin, so it needs to be brought to court,” he added.

- Bernama