Former law minister Zaid Ibrahim has defended former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad as being a stronger proponent of a change in the country’s system than current reformists.

The former PKR leader was responding to critics of his call to rally behind Dr Mahathir in the latter’s quest to pressure Prime Minister Najib Razak to step down.

“Dr Mahathir wants the system to change as much - if not more - than the so-called reformists.

“I became his supporter because I see sincerity in his desire to transform the way the government is managed.

“Only sincerity and love for the country could have compelled a 90-year-old man to continue in politics and work tirelessly. There is no other reason,” wrote Zaid on his blog today in a series of FAQs on his latest plan.

Mahathir, the longest-serving prime minister, has often been criticised for undermining the country’s institutions to perpetuate his and Umno’s grip on power.

PKR vice-president Rafizi Ramli last week said the opposition would only back Mahathir and Zaid's gathering planned for March 27 if the former premier agrees to a total overhaul of the country's systems.

Zaid however said he would still invite progressives from PKR as well as PAS.

Zaid said DAP and Amanah are supportive of his call but did not mention whether the parties will be joining the rally or not.

He believes that sidelined Umno leaders such as Muhyiddin Yassin, Shafie Apdal and Mukhriz Mahathir, will also move to support his rally, which he has tentatively dubbed ' Sayangi Negara Kita ' (Love our country).

The former law minister said the rally must not stop on 27 March, and must be followed up by more ceramah throughout the country to unite the public and ensure that a new government takes power in the next general elections.