The 'Himpunan Rakyat Bersatu' yesterday was not racist, according to Umno supreme council member Mohd Sharkar Shamsudin, who said the rally did not touch on sensitivities of other races and faiths.
The web portal Umno-Online quoted him as saying that the rally was only to "teach a lesson" to those who try to cause trouble with the Malays, especially the Islamic religion.
“This peaceful rally is not because of religious or racial differences, but is to teach a lesson to irresponsible parties so not to stir trouble with the Malays, especially Islam.
“This rally is also a historical moment in uniting Malays. Malays have done this before in 1946 to thwart British plans (to form the Malayan Union) and to found Umno, and now that Malays and Islam are challenged, we rise again to voice our stance and our feelings.
“So everyone should be tolerant to one another, be willing to integrate, and understand the feelings of others. This country is made of a variety of races and religions, so we should respect one another,” he reportedly said.
Don't provoke Malays, Muslims
Mohd Sharkar also claimed that the participation at the rally exceeded 100,000 people, and slammed ‘opposition’ media for underreporting the figures.
He also urged other races not to challenge or provoke Malays or Muslims.
The rally at Padang Merbok yesterday was largely peaceful, but was marred by racial slurs hurled at non-Malay reporters and provocative banners.
Clashes also took place between protestors and police when a group of the protestors tried to storm into Petaling Street – a popular tourist destination known as ‘Chinatown’ – for being operated predominantly by Chinese traders. Nearly all businesses in Petaling Street were closed that day.
Two police personnel suffered light injuries, while two men were arrested during the clash.
Malaysiakini estimates that in total, some 45,000 people had turned up for the rally.
Selangor Umno chief Noh Omar puts the figure at 200,000, while the Kuala Lumpur police estimates turnout at 50,000.
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