IT’S uncommon for it to be raining so heavily at this time of the year. It’s also rare to have an election-type rally on a working week evening even before the election date is known.

But last night was no normal night in Kg Pandan Dalam, famous for auto workshops and small-scale industries.

Amid the tight lanes and low-cost houses built in the 1970s for government workers, Dr Mahathir Mohamad had come to bring his crusade against the prime minister to this former Barisan Nasional stronghold.

For Zahrol Zainal Abidin, this was a special night warranting the effort to put on a raincoat to ride his motorcycle to the venue.

“This is the first time I’ve seen him in person. Normally, I see him on the TV only,” said the 45-year-old despatch rider.‎

When asked what motivated him to make the trip, Zahrol said he wanted to hear what Dr Mahathir had to say about current affairs.

But what effect did Dr Mahathir have on him?‎

“There is truth in what he said tonight. We cannot keep voting for those who steal from us. They think we don’t know by trying to give us BR1M (1Malaysia People’s Aid Scheme) and money and all. But their gifts ‘tak ikhlas’ (insincere),” said Zahrol.

The other speakers were Amanah’s Salahuddin Ayub and PKR’s Rafizi Ramli. The latter is the MP for Pandan. The seat used to be a MCA stronghold. ‎

Over and over again, they took turns to speak about the many questions about the 1Malaysia Development Berhad saga left unanswered and how money had been moved from pillar to post before finding its way to a certain bank account.‎

“Penyamun, penyangak, pencuri, perompak,” said Dr Mahathir over and over again to loud applause from the 1,000 attendees at the open hall next to Masjid Nurul Hidayah.

And each time he repeated it, the crowd cheered him on. The more he mocked Prime Minister Najib Razak, the louder they shouted.

“You call him a thief and he turns around and smiles at you. And he also sings,” said Dr Mahathir, as he mimicked the younger man.

“He asks Malaysians to have high morals and culture. But where is his? The whole world knows he has stolen people’s money,” he added.

The former prime minister said Felda Global Venture was also a ruse.

“The Felda land used to be owned by the settlers. But this land was pawned away to use as capital for FGV. The settlers were forced to borrow money and buy the shares at RM4.50 but these shares are now RM2 only.

“FGV was not started to earn money. And now the Felda settlers, who didn’t use to have loans, owe RM5 billion,” said Dr Mahathir.

The message that the government of the day was dishonest resonated with Zahrol and others who came to listen to Dr Mahathir.

“Insha Allah (God willing) I will vote for the opposition this time,” said the self-confessed BN voter.

For father and son, Stephen Lam and Wern Chung, what Dr Mahathir said last night was not new. They had already learnt of the many challenges Najib faced in the 1MDB saga.

“I came to support Tun,” said the older Lam who lives in nearby Titiwangsa area.

“We didn’t like him the last time but it’s ok now that he’s joined the opposition. I’m willing to look past the things he had done before,” said the 54-year-old.

The technician, however, did not want to elaborate on why he disliked Dr Mahathir.

For Wern Chung, who will be voting for the first time in the next elections, Dr Mahathir was inspiring.

Another former Umno member turned Amanah supporter now, Abdul Halim was more diplomatic. “Pemerintah tak betul. And the people are being oppressed,” said the 54-year-old.

But he recognised how hard it would be to end BN’s hold on power.

“Despite Bersatu, PKR, DAP and Amanah coming together, it will take a special effort to change the ruling government.”

‎In short, it will take more than stinging barbs to take down an incumbent. – April 20, 2017.