COMMENT | Patriot knows only one thing and that is giving our lives to defend our nation when under attack.

As retired members of the security forces, we will continue to defend the country when under siege. We also have amongst us civilian members who have in their own unselfish ways contributed to the nation, and are here staunchly with us in Patriot.

In the months leading to GE14 and the tense hours that followed at the close of balloting, we Patriots responded like true members of the security forces to the call of duty, and stood up to be counted.

Today, as the country wallows in a dangerous mixture of misery and jubilation, we hereby warn that Patriot will not tolerate treason or betrayal in any form.

Once the rule of law is compromised; once the fundamental pillars of democracy are put at risk; once greed and self-interest precedes national stability and security; once the peace of this nation is tested and threatened by political deceit and greed, we will step forward and do the job we were trained for, ie to defend the people, the King and country.

What has happened leading to the appointment of the eighth prime minister must be examined without fear or favour.

As patriotic citizens it is the duty of all of us who call Malaysia our home to ensure that justice, honour and dignity were not trampled upon or exploited to achieve power or to lose power.

Democracy when compromised, exploited or feigned upon, threatens the stability of a nation.

If we allow the thieves and corrupt individuals to steal and plunder from the nation’s coffer, we have allowed the country to slip into a vulnerable state. Such individuals don’t deserve a respectable place in our society.

Patriot will not let this be. As trained, disciplined and patriotic citizens we will rise to defend our country and King.

If there are elements of treason or hints of betrayal against the people's democratic rights as enshrined in our sacrosanct Constitution, we demand that these be investigated and acted justly upon.

Expunging an existing elected government and replacing it without the mandate of citizens is not only a blow to our constitutional monarchy, but attacks our very pillars of democracy.

A nation weakened from the inside is far more dangerous than being attacked by an invading power.

Hence Patriot with endorsement from many well-intended NGOs, civil society leaders and individual citizens demand the following:

1. Citizens have a right to view the numbers (including names) that determined support for the two sides. 
2. Citizens voice disapproval and disgust over those facing criminal charges and stood behind or participated in the overthrow of the democratically elected government. These unscrupulous politicians must be taken to task.
3. Parliament must convene without delay to allow support for the new PM and government to be tested. Otherwise, this new government is seen as illegitimate. This principle of legitimacy cannot be compromised.
4. In the event Perikatan Nasional fails to secure majority support in Parliament, Pakatan Harapan should be given the chance to form government in compliance with the mandate given by the people after GE14.
5. Politicians cannot take power claiming that they are the architects of democracy. It is the people who have this honourable duty. Politicians have a moral obligation to fulfil the trust given to them. As such, Patriot does not buy the assurances preached by renegades and traitors.
6. Any person that is to be appointed a minister, deputy minister and including all those political appointees must be vetted by the MACC and police to ensure that they do not have records of being corrupt or a criminal record and including no criminal charges pending or in progress. This is the time we get rid of corrupt individuals and criminals masquerading to be our leaders.

For Patriots the peace and harmony of this nation is at stake. The will of the people cannot be bought with purse strings. Only honor, trust, dignity and patriotism to nation and King remain the viable currency.

This media statement is endorsed by the following NGOs/groups:

1. Suaram

2. Pusat Komas

3. Our Journey

4. Kryss Network

5. C4

6. Ohmsi

7. Maju

8. WAO

9. Caged

10. Tindak Malaysia

11. Sabm

12. MyPJ

13. PTD Policy Interest Group

14. Edict

15. CIJ

16.Pacos

17. LLG

18. Malaysian Academic Movement (Gerak)

19. G25 Malaysia

20. Service Civil International (SCI-KL)

21. Business Ethics Institute of Malaysia (Beim)

22. Persatuan Promosi Harmoni Malaysia

MOHAMED ARSHAD RAJI is the president of Persatuan Patriot Kebangsaan.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.