Foreign Minister Anifah Aman has pledged support for a rally that stands for unity regardless of race, religion and political beliefs to celebrate Malaysia Day on Sept 16.

“However, should the rally only be about retaliation to Bersih 4, then that should not be tolerated,” he said in a media statement today.

Since Bersih 4 was declared illegal, Anifah said Wednesday’s ‘Himpunan Rakyat Bersatu’ should also be barred if its objective is not about unity and celebrating Hari Malaysia.

Anifah also saw no harm in wearing a red shirt if it is to celebrate Hari Malaysia and represent unity amongst all races.

“However, should it be worn just for provocation then that I believe is wrong the same way wearing the yellow shirt to create provocation is wrong.

“Hari Malaysia should not be about racial, political or religious hatred. We must embrace the true meaning of Hari Malaysia.

“An unguarded tit-for-tat action or reason can be detrimental to peace and harmony enjoyed by Malaysians and no doubt affect the economic well-being of the country,” he added.

As a nation, the minister said, Malaysians must be above narrow-mindedness.

Meanwhile, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Joseph Kurup called on the organiser to cancel Wednesday's rally to ensure national harmony is not threatened.

'Values of unity'

“Challenging each other by holding rallies is irresponsible,” he said.

“As Malaysians, we must refrain from actions or gatherings which go against the values of unity and can spark off racial provocations,” he added.

The Sept 16 rally - dubbed as the 'red shirts rally' - was initially mooted to counter Bersih 4 and to uphold Malay dignity with warnings of violence against the Chinese.

The organiser, however, has since renamed it ‘Himpunan Rakyat Bersatu’ and invited all those who support the government to attend,regardless of race and religion.