CAIRO: Mubarak’s entourage disconnected him from public demands and gave him the wrong impression about the revolution, former head of the dissolved National Democratic Party (NDP) Hossam Badrawy said in a televised interview on ONTV late Wednesday.
"I thought that I can reach Mubarak away from his advisors, who were the main reason behind the crisis, to convey to him the true picture because as Einstein said, you cannot solve the problem with the same mentality that created it," Badrawy said, justifying his acceptance of Mubarak’s request to head the NDP days before his ouster.
"When I was asked to head the NDP, I requested the resignation of the general secretariat of the party and to have direct access to the president, in addition to access to all political actors," he added.
Badrawy, known as a reformist within the NDP, was a leading figure in the dissolved party and a former head of education committee. He was appointed by Mubarak days before his ouster to replace former head of the NDP Safwat El-Sherif, in a desperate attempt to placate Tahrir protesters back then.
"On Jan. 26, I went to the NDP headquarters urging them to take quick action to save the escalating situation,” he told TV host Yosri Foda, adding that he suggested it was time for the president to sack the government and declare his intention not to run for president again.
"I was told that everything is under control and [order will be restored] in 72 hours."
Badrawy said that it would have been easier for him to resign at the time and he would have been regarded as a hero, but he preferred to be more proactive and do something that could save the situation.
"In a time of crisis, you have to think either about your personal interests or how you can benefit your society at this historical moment. All my brothers and sisters objected to my appointment as head of NDP," he said.
"But my wife and kids asked me if my appointment would benefit Egypt, and I thought that the barriers between me and decision makers are now finally removed and I can frankly express my opinion. I can also prevent any harm and contribute positively at this historical moment," Badrawy added.
Badrawy, who played a major role in releasing cyber activist Wael Ghonim, said that the latter urged him to quit NDP to maintain the respect people have for him.
"Wael’s words have shaken me, his anger showed how oppression is severe," Badrawy said.
Badrawy criticized the way police handled the protests, adding that the excessive use of violence and the withdrawal from the streets were both wrong.
"Definitely someone pressed the button and gave the green light for the police to use violence," Badrawy said, denying knowing any information about who gave orders to do so.
"Investigations currently taking place will definitely reveal all this," he added.
As Badrawy spoke on air, renowned Egyptian novelist Alaa Al-Aswany slammed on his Twitter account the interview, describing the politician’s appearance at this time as a media trend to reintroduce the former regime figures to the public.
"I do understand the value of Badrawy’s testimony on the events, but I wish that someone representing the other point of view was [part of] the conversation," Al-Aswany said.
The TV interview didn’t feature any phone calls by viewers or analysts.
"Badrawy belongs to the former regime and represented the murderer as a hero," Al-Aswani added.
Badrawy said that he met with Mubarak two days before his ouster urging him to hand in his powers to the then newly appointed vice president Omar Suleiman, and to call for early presidential elections and constitutional amendments.
"I told Mubarak that I can see Romania’s fate, which surprised Mubarak and wondered if his people would kill him, and I said yes," Badrawy said.
"Mubarak replied that he is willing to die for Egypt, and I replied, why die for Egypt when you can live for Egypt?"
He also said that Mubarak was worried that Egypt will turn to military rule or an Islamic state led by the Muslim Brotherhood if he quit.
About grooming his son for power, "Mubarak told me that Gamal was helping him like any son helping his father," Badrawy said.
