Dr Mahathir and Dr Siti Hasmah greeted by Bersih participants at Dataran Merdeka. IZZRAFIQ ALIAS / The Star.
KUALA LUMPUR: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali joined the participants at Bersih 4 at Dataran Merdeka.
The former prime minister and his wife made the surprise arrival at Dataran Merdeka at about 7.30pm and were greeted by hundreds of the protesters.
When asked by reporters if he agreed with the demands made by Bersih 4 organisers, Dr Mahathir simply smiled and waved to the crowd who acknowledged his presence.
"I just wanted to see," Dr Mahathir said.
When the crowd realised that Dr Mahathir was present, many rushed forward to greet him, creating a mini frenzy. Many called his name, others took snapshots of him with their mobile phones. Many were shouting "Don't push, Don't push."
Dr Mahathir's bodyguards had to push away reporters and the rally participants who were surging forward to shake his hand.
Dr Mahathir walked for a while at Dataran Merdeka and left after five minutes after the crowd got bigger. He had got into a police car which drove away from Dataran heading towards Jalan Parliamen.
The couple arrived here from Johor where Dr Mahathir attended a dialogue.
