DAP’s Kluang MP Liew Chin Tong is of the belief that the nation is not simply about former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang.

Instead, it is about searching for a new formula.

Liew’s remarks come as critics questioned the Citizens’ Declaration, which both Mahathir and his one-time adversary Lim had signed. Critics say that the two were nothing but each other’s puppets.

But with Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak being a political “dead-man walking”, the nation is going nowhere, said Liew.

“So what needs to be done now is to search for a new convincing formula that is good for the nation,” Liew said at a press conference on DAP's 50th anniversary at the party's headquarters in Kuala Lumpur today.

He said the opposition is now in search of a new formula – a new realignment to obtain more than half of the Malays’ support as well as support from Sabah and Sarawak.

“I think that has been the question – whether there can be a new realignment that can convincingly win the support of Malaysians,” he said.

Liew added that Najib will resort to all kinds of measures to ensure that he remains in power.

“Therefore, we have to align all anti-Najib forces in order to push for reforms, in order to ensure that Najib will not get away,” he said.

Admitting that DAP’s supporters needed more explanation with regard to the declaration, he noted how ordinary Malaysians were only happy that there was finally a realistic hope.

“The middle ground (supporters) embraces this happily because finally they see some hope, but the hardcore supporters need more explanation and assurance.

“We understand the (hardcore supporters’) concern, we understand that we need to explain to them, we understand that they will eventually come on board, and it will take time,” he said.

The declaration was signed on March 4 by notable leaders from both the political scene and civil society.

Among the demands is for the Najib to resign as premier.