Dr Mahathir Mohamad has been consistent in his opposition to street protests, and his administration had come down hard on supporters of his former deputy Anwar Ibrahim who vented their frustration on the streets.

But this evening, the former premier made a surprising visit to Bersih 4, with his wife Dr Siti Hasmah Ali heralding the protest as a display of people's power.

Taking Mahathir to task over this, MyKMU.net recounted the Reformasi era as well as Anwar's black-eye incident and questioned if the former premier has now become desperate.

"It appears that Mahathir who is called a prominent statement is now acknowledging street protests.

"What has happened? Is he so desperate to achieve his personal political agenda to topple Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak that he is willing to lower his statesman status?"

The article also questioned if Mahathir has been influenced by his daughter Marina, who has always leaned towards "street activities which are liberal and anti-establishment".

"(Is Mahathir) so desperate to seek attention and support that he is willing to pawn the future of this nation in the hands of protesters?"

MyKmu said Mahathir had gone overboard with his action which is in contradiction with the spirit of an Umno leader.

Calling it a "shocking transformation", the article said many Umno members and supporters would be in disbelief.

"What has happened Tun (Mahathir's honorific title)? What madness is causing chaos to your thoughts and attitude?"