SUPP today strongly condemned the rally in Kuala Lumpur tomorrow, saying that such acts could send Malaysia down the road of anarchy.
This comes after the BN supreme council failed to come to a consensus on the rally, meant to be a counter-rally to the Bersih 4 protests last month.
Umno is supporting the rally, with its secretary-general saying the rally is to show support for the government and love for the nation, but SUPP says it could lead to violence.
The rally was initially to condemn purported insults to Malay leaders at the Bersih 4 rally, which among others called for the resignation of Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.
Gabungan NGO-NGO Malaysia president Jamal Md Yunos (photo) also said it will be held at areas where most traders are ethnic Chinese as retaliation for losses allegedly suffered by Malay traders due to the Bersih 4 rally.
“The recent trend of demonstrations and counter demonstrations, whether they be ‘Yellow Shirts’ or ‘Red Shirts’ are not conducive to the Malaysian way of life.
The creation of this type of new negative culture is a slippery slope to chaos and anarchy. We should not emulate the scenario in Thailand, which has led to on-going violence and the unfortunate loss of life,” SUPP secretary-general Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew said.
Protestors at the Bersih 4 rally wore yellow shirts, while Gabungan NGO-NGO Melayu earlier held anti-Bersih gathering wearing red.
However, tomorrow’s rally organiser the National Silat Federation (Pesaka) said there is no need to wear red or be Malay to attend the rally, now dubbed ‘Himpunan Rakyat Bersatu’.
Ting added that rally organisers also show a “total lack of respect” for history, as Sept 16 is the anniversary of the formation of Malaysia and is especially important for Sabah and Sarawak.
“(It) should be given due respect and dignity,” he said.
Related reports
Major Chinese business group opposes 'red shirts rally'
PAS condemns effigy burning of opposition leaders
Otai Reformis: No intention of doing 'police work' at rally
PDRM must take lead, not follow DBKL on Sept 16 rally
Reach consensus on red shirt rally, BN parties told
You're not defending Malays, Mahathir tells red shirts
