Bersih 4: Dr Mahathir's presence disappointing - Ismail Sabri

Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has described as disappointing and regrettable, the presence of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad at the Bersih 4 gathering in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

This is because, he said, the former prime minister had strongly opposed street demonstrations, especially when Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was sacked as deputy prime minister.

There were large demonstrations by a group calling itself the 'reformasi' group.

Ismail Sabri, who is also UMNO Supreme Council member, said that Dr Mahathir had regarded groups carrying out street demonstrations as evil.

"Dr Mahathir's presence at the Bersih 4 gathering yesterday is very shocking and disappointing.

"Finally, Tun (Dr Mahathir) himself, a staunch opponent of road demonstrations is involved in one," he told reporters after opening the Beluran UMNO division delegates meeting here today.