After his sensational visit to the Bersih 4 rally yesterday, dubbed an "illegal" rally by the government, former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad made a second visit to the rally today.
The former PM with his wife Dr Siti Hasmah Ali arrived at Kuala Lumpur Komuter station at about 4.30pm, accompanied by former law minister Zaid Ibrahim.
Unlike his flash visit yesterday that Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today played down as a mere six-minute appearance of little significance, Mahathir showed up his critics and gave a speech to address the rally in Pasar Seni.
In this second visit, he stayed for about one hour, including giving a 20-minute press conference at a restaurant after addressing the crowd and reporters at the entrance of Central Market.
Mahathir said he was there because he supported the people, but was cautious to say he did not support "Bersih" .
Later at the press conference, he elaborated that the people were right to demonstrate as the government no longer cared for the people.
He also countered Zahid's claim that Mahathir's visit yesterday did not imply support for the rally, by declaring, "[...] I think I have shown my stand here that I support this demonstration against the government.
"My spirit is with you all," said the 90-year-old former premier.
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