Negative? Go show support for government at Sept 16 rally then, minister tells Malaysians
(Malay Mail Online) – Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Mansor insisted today that the controversial September 16 rally organised by a Malay martial arts group is not racial in nature and won’t negatively affect the government.
As such, he called on Malaysians of all races to join in the Persekutuan Silat Kebangsaan Malaysia’s (Pesaka) “Himpunan Rakyat Bersatu” demonstration at Padang Merbok to prove their love for the country and support for the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) government.
“We leave it to the rakyat. I hope if the rakyat love the nation, irrespective of whether you’re Chinese, Malay or Indian, all go out to show your support to the government,” Tengku Adnan told reporters after launching the Razakmas Residency project here.
The Umno and BN secretary-general maintained that the ruling Malay party neither condones nor bans its members from participating in the rally, and will not mobilise any division to turn out in the city field even though the organiser has received approval from the venue owner, City Hall (DBKL).
He stressed that Umno was not a sponsor of the rally, and was sure the demonstration would not affect public perception of the party despite links being tied between the party and the demonstration.
“What negative image?” he retorted when asked by reporters about any potential fallout from the Pesaka-organised rally.
“We are not even the sponsor. Not like Bersih, which is clear cut with DAP behind it,” Tengku Adnan said.
