Dr M, Siti Hasmah attend Bersih rally

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. 

Asked why he came to the rally, Dr Mahathir said he just "wanted to see."

When more of 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 and Dr Siti Hasmah managed to walk a short distance but left after some 10 minutes when the crowd got bigger. He and his wife were escorted to a police car which drove towards Jalan Parlimen.

The couple arrived here from Johor where Dr Mahathir attended a dialogue.