Stressing on the importance of being united, Dr Siti Hasmah Ali said Malaysians should not allow political differences to stop them from achieving a common objective.

On the eve of Merdeka, the wife of former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad likened the current situation to the nation's struggle for independence.

"Just like when we were pushing for independence, how we were all united. Insha Allah (God willing).

"What is important, it does not matter if Bersih, PKR or PAS, we are Malaysians.

"If we are united, we would achieve our objective," she told reporters.

Though she did not elaborate on the objective, it is believed she was referring to the ouster of Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, which is one of the demands of Bersih 4.

Siti Hasmah however cautioned against the use of violence.

"So please when it comes to this situation no violence," she said.

Siti Hasmah had followed her husband to Kuala Lumpur this afternoon. The couple, accompanied by former minister Zaid Ibrahim, travelled in the KTM Komuter train.

Yesterday, Mahathir and her made a brief visit to Dataran Merdeka where thousands of Bersih 4 protesters were gathered.

Siti Hasmah, who rarely weighed in on political issues, described the protest as a display of people's power.