Removing Najib Abdul Razak from power without real reforms will not bring about meaningful change other than benefitting certain cronies.

Though he did not mention names, it is obvious the former opposition leader was referring to Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s close associates.

"A Mahathir-led removal of Najib, without real reform, will only satisfy some cronies.

"It will do nothing to bring about real change for the people," said Anwar, who is serving a five-year prison term.

He said this in a note released through PKR communications director Fahmi Fadzil from the Sungai Buloh prison.

He said this in a note released through PKR communications director Fahmi Fadzil from the Sungai Buloh prison.

This is amid demands by Mahathir ( photo ) for Najib, who is plagued by financial scandals, to step down.

Anwar said based on past experience, removing Najib alone was "not enough".

"We have gone through the futile process of changing leaders, but leaving the corrupt and obsolete system intact. 

"We do not want piecemeal solutions but a serious commitment to reform and the end of corruption," he said.

Ultimately, Anwar said, there must be comprehensive change in the governance and administration of the country.

Areas of reform

As such, he outlined three areas of reform, including on key institutions such as the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), Attorney-General's Chambers, the judiciary and police, which he said had failed to stem corruption and abuse of power.

The other two points, he said, are a reform of the electoral system and the repeal of the Sedition Act and all repressive laws that pervert democracy.

"BN must take full responsibility for the current state of affairs. 

"Their corruption, abuse of power, arrogance and appallingly poor governance has brought Malaysia to this state. 

"The utter collapse of the Greek economy is a warning of what can yet happen to our beloved country," warned Anwar.