MALAYSIANS are no longer afraid of caretaker prime minister Najib Razak as they push for a change in government, Dr Mahathir Mohamad said last night.

The Pakatan Harapan prime minister candidate said the Barisan Nasional government is riddled with problems, and the people have “suffered” so much that they will no longer be cowed by threats.

“The people are not afraid any more. They can be taxed, they can be punished, but they dare fight Najib and his government,” he said in his speech at a ceramah in Hulu Kelang, Selangor.

“When there is cooperation between opposition parties and the people, the government will fall. That is why we have come out in droves, despite the rain. We want to topple Najib’s government.”

He said the thousands who turned up at PH rallies in Malacca, Pahang and Kedah showed just how big of a role the people’s power played in efforts to change the government.

The ceramah last night was to be Dr Mahathir’s final appearance in the Klang Valley, following his nationwide roadshow in the 14th general election campaign period.

Despite the muddy field and being drenched by the rain, more than 5,000 turned up.

The former prime minister, who held office for 22 years, believes that the current opposition is more formidable compared with the one during his tenure.

“Previously, opposition parties would contest, but the chances of forming the government were slim because the government then was strong.

“Not a lot of people believed that the opposition would make a good government. But it is different now. We have hopes of toppling the government.”

He said based on his own analysis, Najib can be charged in court with more than 60 crimes.

The rally saw PH big guns and former ministers Daim Zainuddin and Rafidah Aziz taking to the stage to stump for the opposition. They included PH president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin and Amanah president Mohamad Sabu.

They were speaking in support of caretaker Selangor menteri besar Mohamed Azmin Ali, who is contesting the Gombak parliamentary seat. – May 7, 2018.