Coalition of NGOs hands over memorandum protesting Citizens' Declaration

PUTRAJAYA: More than 500 members of a coalition of Malaysian non-governmental organisations (NGOs) gathered outside the gates of the Perdana Leadership Foundation in Precinct 8 here today to hand over a memorandum protesting a declaration made by former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad recently.
The extreme hot weather at about 3pm did not deter the group, which comprised Malaysian of all races and ages to gather for about one hour.
Also seen outside the gates were policemen as well as plain clothes policemen who monitored the situation to ensure that things did not get out-of-hand.
The group also held up banners with the words 'Undur Mahathir Undur' (Back Off Mahathir), 'Mahathir Bersekongkol Dengan Pembangkang' (Mahathir in cohorts with the Opposition), 'Mahathir Khianati Perjuangan UMNO' (Mahathir Betrays UMNO's Struggle), 'Kami Tolak Deklarasi Rakyat' (We Reject Citizens' Declaration) and 'Mahathir Kembali Ke Pangkal Jalan' (Mahathir Return to the Path)
The group had earlier arrived at the Foundation in several buses, cars and motorcycles.
The memorandum was handed over by the chairman of the coalition Datuk Jamal Md Yunos to Dr Mahathir's Assistant Special Officer, Muhamad Fazil Saad.
Speaking to reporters, Jamal said the coalition protested against the declaration and rejected it as it was not did not have the interest of the people and the nation.
"The coalition also vows to support the leadership of Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak," he said.
On March 4, former deputy prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and former Kedah menteri besar Datuk Seri Mukhriz Tun Mahathir were among some 50 people led by Tun Dr Mahathir who signed the declaration which called for Najib to step down as prime minister. — Bernama