MCA has expressed its strong opposition to the planned gathering of "red shirts" in Kuala Lumpur on Sept 16, saying the party does not want such events to be held elsewhere as well.

Vice-president Chew Mei Fun said this in a press statement today. The police have banned the rally for "security reasons".

The "Malay Dignity" rally on Malaysia Day is poised to be a gathering of ultra-Malay groups, who want to counter Bersih's mega-rally held on Aug 29 and 30.

However, the proposed event has been marred by posters and banners with deep racial overtones and threats against the Chinese found in Penang and Kuala Lumpur.

"We strongly oppose to the call by Umno Permatang Pauh division for Malays to take part in the proposed [...] gathering on Sept 16," said Chew.

Chew said MCA also opposed the red-shirted motor-cycle convoy from Permatang Pauh to Bukit Bintang vicinity, including Petaling Street.

Chew had described the mammoth 34-hour rally by Bersih as an "illegal assembly".

One of the election watchdog's demands is to urge for the resignation of Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak to allow for claims of corruption involving the 1MDB and the RM2.6 billion donation in his private bank accounts to be investigated.

"While we understand Umno's members’ intention to show solidarity behind the prime minister, such gatherings must be done in a legal, positive and peaceful manner without any thick racial overtones," said the Penang MCA chief.

"Umno as ruling party should lead by example and not snub the Peaceful Assembly Act enacted and passed in Parliament," she noted.

Worry and anxiety

Chew said the thought of the gathering of red-shirted motor-cyclists this time around had triggered worries and anxiety within many quarters.

This is especially so when the nation had just experienced riots at Low Yat Plaza in Kuala Lumpur.

"Surely a racially-incited assembly will only result in racial sensitivities and conflicts erupting and destroy racial harmony as well," she said.

Chew said BN, in its 58 years of rule, has always been guided by racial harmony as its vision and direction.

This had been commended by the world over, added Chew, who is also deputy minister of Women, Family and Community Development.

"We believe that the Umno leadership, as the mainstay in BN, will not want to destroy the multi-racial and diversified harmony which Umno has jointly built with its Alliance and thence BN coalition partners since 58 years ago," Chew said.

"As the advocate for 1Malaysia in his administrative direction, I believe that the prime minister too, will not agree with such actions that will result in racial disunity," she added.