Dr Mahathir Mohamad said he supported the people and not Bersih, which is holding a street protest to call for Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's resignation.

However, the former premier pointed out that Bersih is part of the rakyat, and has rights as well.

"There are some now criticising me for supporting Bersih.

"Bersih is also the rakyat. Not all are wearing yellow, many are not wearing yellow.

"I am present (here) to show my solidarity with the people," he told reporters in Kuala Lumpur this evening.

The former premier also reiterated the need for Najib to step down, saying it would help BN recover.

Mahathir said he does not care about the demands made by Bersih, which include sweeping reforms, but wanted the prime minister’s head to roll.

"In Parliament, BN has the majority and has the right to choose a new leader," said the former premier who previously suggested that the opposition agree to a vote of no confidence to oust Najib but keep BN in power.

Mahathir also claimed "hundreds" of Malaysians had beseeched him to do something about the prime minister.

"They have asked me many, many times. Hundreds of them have come to see me (saying), 'Please do something. Please do something.'

"If you read my blog, you would see the same thing.

"The people as a whole do not want this kind of corrupt leader. We have to get rid of this leader, and if we can, through normal means," he said.

However, he pointed out that Najib had already frustrated the legal channels that could act against him, such as by removing Abdul Gani Patail as attorney-general.

To another question, Mahathir said he would not partake in the Bersih 4 protest.

"No. I think I have shown my stand here that I support this demonstration against this government.

"My spirit is with you all. I have to go back home," he added.

Mahathir and his wife Dr Siti Hasmah Ali had taken the KTM Komuter train to the city accompanied by former law minister Zaid Ibrahim.

Yesterday, the couple made a surprise visit to Dataran Merdeka where thousands of Bersih 4 protesters were gathered.

This drew flak from various Umno leaders.