Dr Mahathir Mohamad said traditional political rivals, who have set aside their differences for the Citizens' Declaration , can continue their feud after democracy is restored.

Mahathir noted that Umno members are upset that DAP shared the same stage with Umno and vice-versa when inking the declaration calling for Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's removal.

He claimed that the dire situation in the nation warranted this joining of hands.

"It is this consciousness (about the dire situation) that has prompted enemies to temporarily set aside their hostility towards each other to save their beloved country.

"If they emphasise the interest of their respective parties, it would mean supporting and retaining Najib's regime.

"When democracy and freedom are restored, then they can continue with their disagreements," he said in a blog posting today.

Mahathir noted that similar concerns are being raised within DAP.

"Why Umno leaders and members are willing to stand with DAP and (its leader) Lim Kit Siang ?

"The same question is being asked by DAP leaders and members who hate Umno and see it as an enemy, particularly me, as a former Umno leader since DAP's inception.

"It is difficult for many in both rival parties to accept that those who signed the declaration did so not as members and leaders of political parties but as Malaysian citizens who are worried about the adverse impact of Najib's actions as prime minister," he said.

Mahathir said this would not have been necessary if Umno was like the Umno of the past where there are channels to stop wrongdoings.

"But Najib has shut down all these channels. The rights of Umno members, the Umno general assembly and Umno supreme council are no longer functioning," he added.

'Political parties can't be relied on any longer'

Mahathir also accused Najib of paralysing not only party functions but also institutions such as the police, Attorney-General's Chambers, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and others.

"Najib not only oppressed political parties but the rakyat regardless of race and party affiliations.

"In such a situation, the victimised rakyat can no longer depend on their political parties for protection, nor can they rely on government institutions which were tasked to protect them.

"For Malaysians, Najib's ouster can restore democracy in the country but the rakyat do not have any machinery to voice out," he added.

Mahathir said it is for this reason that eminent figures from various backgrounds were forced to set aside their affiliations to come together as citizens for the cause.

The former premier likened the opposite option to the situation in the Middle East.

'Their (Middle Eastern countries) common enemy is Israel which is assisted by the US. Unfortunately, they are more focused on fighting among themselves.

"The rivalry between Sunni and Syiah, Fatah and Hamas, Iran and Saudi Arabia - so much so that they forget who their real enemy is," he added.