“Even though we’ve asked him not to implement the GST (Goods and Services Tax), he didn’t care. He just wants to pay off his debts with the people’s money,” Mahathir told a thousands-strong crowd of protesters at the anti-GST rally here outside Dataran Merdeka yesterday.

“This is why we must bring Najib down. He is the source of all our problems.”

Mahathir had arrived at the rally at around 5.20pm, joining the group of Opposition leaders speaking at the event.

“The rakyat now face problems they have not faced before. Before this, things were better. They could get jobs and earn a living.

“Now, a thousand Petronas employees have been laid off. Even I’ve lost my job,” he added snidely.

Mahathir thanked the crowd for coming out in the sweltering heat to protest against the government’s oppressive policies.

“Unfortunately, Najib is both deaf and mute when it comes to displays like these.

“He will interpret them as attempts by the Chinese to overthrow the government. But everybody, the Chinese, Indians and Malays are here,” he said.

Mahathir said that this was the reason for the Citizens’ Declaration, which he said would present the people’s issues to the Sultans.

“We must get rid of Najib. It may not be in the Constitution, but the kings will listen to the people. Without the people, there can be no kings.”