FORMER finance minister Daim Zainuddin said his decision to speak up against Najib Razak and campaign for the opposition Pakatan Harapan coalition was because of a sense of responsibility towards the nation and that he does not fear reprisals from the caretaker prime minister.

The 80-year-old, who served during Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s tenure as prime minister, said Najib would be judged by the people and the world for the mistakes he made in his nine years in power.

“When we make mistakes, we must admit them. The people will be able to accept. Looking back, Najib could have done better for the country and himself,” he said at a press conference following a ceramah in Permatang Pauh today.

“A leader must always think of the people. You are elected by the people and are responsible for them. In the end, they will judge you, and the world will not think nicely about you.”

Daim said he has known Najib for a long time, adding that he does not fear him.

“As a Muslim, I only fear Allah. There is nothing to fear if you are on the right track and have done nothing wrong. In this country, we must respect justice and the rule of law.”

Daim, along with former Umno Wanita head Rafidah Aziz, have been actively campaigning for the opposition pact, making appearances and delivering speeches alongside PH candidates in various constituencies.

He said he has seen a movement for change in all the places he has visited and that PH ceramah drew large crowds.

“But the people must come out and vote on Wednesday. No point just going out for ceramah, but not going out in full force to vote. The election is all about votes.”

Asked if he saw a Malay tsunami happening, Daim said: “Very good if it happens. If it doesn’t, we will still win. There is not stopping the wave.

“People are fed up. They know the government is lying. This time, Malaysia can change the (federal) government.”

Present at this morning talk were PH candidates Nurul Izzah Anwar (Permatang Pauh), Dr Norlela Ariffin (Penanti), Dr Afif Bahardin (Seberang Jaya) and Faiz Fadzil (Permatang Pasir). – May 6, 2018.