PKR has dared Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin to make a stand on whether he supports Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's defence of the 'racist' red shirts rally.
"The so-called 'moderates in Umno', particularly Youth chief Khairy, should state unequivocally whether they back the prime minister’s stand on this issue," PKR Youth chief Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said in a statement today.
Najib had thanked the National Silat Federation (Pesaka) for organising the Himpunan Rakyat Bersatu to uphold Malay dignity.
Najib said the rally was proof that Malays could gather peacefully without provocation.
However, the rally was marred by racist remarks and placards, as well as a fracas between the red shirts and police on Petaling Street.
"This is further proof that Najib is abdicating responsibility for leading the nation to save his political career.
"Najib - in claiming that the 'red shirt' rally was to 'defend the dignity of the Malays' - is not only throwing the non-Malays under the bus but also insulting the intelligence of the Malay community," Nik Nazmi (photo above) said.
Khairy has so far said very little about the red shirts.
Prior to the rally, Khairy only comment was to reiterate Najib's remarks that Umno members were allowed to join the protest.
"I defer to the comments of the prime minister. Let that represent the position of the party," he said.
Asked about the stand-off in Petaling Street, the youth and sports minister said those who break the law must be punished , but Khairy stopped short of condemning the incident.
However, he did react to Pasir Gudang MCA Youth's decision to cut ties with the prime minister, telling them to quit BN .
Related reports
Why ISA when detention without trial stays in force?
Liow, the chief raptor is your own boss
