Tun Mahathir, former ministers and opposition leaders sign Citizen's Declaration (UPDATED)

PETALING JAYA: Former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad led a group comprising of former cabinet ministers, opposition leaders and civil society representatives to sign a declaration calling for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak to step down.
Addressing a packed press conference at the Universiti Malaya Alumni Association Clubhouse this afternoon, Dr Mahathir said only with Najib's removal can reforms be carried out in the country.
"We are all citizens of the country, not representatives of any political party.
"And people are expressing concerns that the country is being run by someone who is doing a lot of damage.
"Of course every leader in this country have their own ideologies and objectives ... but it is clear that everyone here wants one thing – to remove Najib as prime minister," he said to resounding applause from the crowd.
The Citizen's Declaration signed by over 50 signatories calls for:
>> The removal of Najib as prime minister through non-violent and legally permissible means;
>> the removal of those who have acted in concert with him;
>> a repeal of all the recent laws and agreements that violate the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Federal Constitution;
>> Restoration of integrity of institutions which have been undermined, such as the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, Bank Negara Malaysia and the Public Accounts Committee.
When asked by the media about the group's next move, including plans to get imprisoned PKR de facto leader Datuk seri Anwar Ibrahim, who could potentially replace Najib and the manner of reforms to be carried out, Dr Mahathir said: "We will decide on it later. The main focus now is to remove Najib as prime minister."
To a question on whether Najib could be removed via a vote of no-confidence in Parliament, Dr Mahathir said such a move would require the support of the majority of MPs, including those from Barisan Nasional.
Also present were former Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, former Transport Minister Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik, Datuk Zaid Ibrahim, former Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Muhkriz Mahathir, Mahathir's wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, DAP Parliamentary leader Lim kit Siang, Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, Amanah chairman Mohamed Sabu, Pas election director Datuk Mustapha Ali, Pas Pokok Sena MP Datuk Mahfuz Omar, Bersih 2.0 chairman Maria Chin Abdullah and former Bar Council President Datuk S. Ambiga.
The Prime Minister's office in response to the press conference, issued a statement noting that Mahathir and his former enemies 'have demonstrated the depth of their political opportunism and desperation.'
"There is an existing mechanism to change the Government and Prime Minister - it is called a general election. ‎
"And it is the only mechanism that is lawful, democratic and fulfills the people's will," a spokesperson for the government said in the statement.

The statement added that in 2013, the Malaysians expressed their will and elected the current government, led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak.
"If Mahathir wants to change the Government, he must follow democratic process and await the next election, in line with Malaysia's laws and Federal Constitution.‎"