Furious Johor NGO reps demonstrate against Tun Mahathir

(NST) – A total of 50 local non-governmental organisations (NGOs) gathered at the Muar Stadium here today to voice their support for the Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar in his tiff with Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

The NGOs, under the banner of Majlis Penyelaras Gabungan NGO Melayu Negeri Johor (Gabung Johor), also condemned Tun Mahathir’s “interference” in Johor’s administration.

Gabung Johor vice president Abdullah Md Yusof said the former Prime Minister does not have the credibility to question the way the state government is being run.

“During his administration, there were a lot of wrongdoings that Dr Mahathir either ignored or tried to cover up. Only now have these issues surfaced, like the Bank Negara foreign exchange scandal,” said Abdullah.

He was speaking to the media after the gathering, which comprised some 100 NGO representatives holding up banners supporting Sultan Ibrahim and condemning Tun Mahathir.

Abdullah said it was also during Tun Mahathir’s administration that the power of the Malay Rulers was curbed.

“Now he is trying to meddle in the affairs of the state and is going against the wishes of Sultan Ibrahim.

“We are here today to tell Dr Mahathir that the people of Johor will always stand behind our ruler and that he is not welcome in Johor,” said Abdullah.

He said a total of 115 police reports have been lodged by NGOs in Johor against Tun Mahathir.

“I urge the police to take action against Dr Mahathir, even though he is a former prime minister. We will continue to lodge police reports until action is taken against Dr Mahathir,” said Abdullah.

He added that Gabung Johor is considering organising a bigger gathering at the same venue if no action is taken against Tun Mahathir.