“This is a marriage of reluctance for common convenience. Such marriage is not founded on love and stability. So, it might not last,” he told reporters here on Saturday.

In the latest anti-Najib campaign led by Dr Mahathir, a former prime minister, more than 50 people, including DAP’s Lim Kit Siang and Selangor Menteri Besar Mohamed Azmin Ali from PKR, signed a declaration calling for Najib’s resignation and for political reforms.

Dr Subramaniam said all parties should respect the country’s democratic system and any dissatisfaction should be resolved through existing channels.

“We are practising a democratic system based on the existing system in the party. Any change in leadership is usually based on the system, either through the party or the general election.

“The system is there to decide who should be the leader. We don’t want a culture where leaders can be overthrown by street forces, to come to Malaysia.

“We must strengthen our political system, democratic system within the system. If there are weaknesses, you have to strengthen it within our system but not from forces outside,” he said.

— BERNAMA