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A planned demonstration by ethnic Malay hardliners in support of Malaysia’s government will be peaceful, organisers vowed Tuesday, despite fears it could incite racial tension in the multi-ethnic country.
The “Malay Dignity Uprising” in the capital Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday will bring out tens of thousands, said Jamal Yunos, a key organiser and a senior official in Malaysia’s long-time ruling party.
“We will not provoke anyone or spark a racial clash. We will not riot,” Jamal told reporters.
However, he said the rally would be a platform for participants to demand respect for the Muslim ethnic Malay majority and rail against a Chinese-based party in the opposition.
Comments by supporters of Wednesday’s event - which authorities have green-lighted - have been widely criticised as dangerous race-baiting.
The demonstration has been billed as a response to a massive two-day rally in Kuala Lumpur in late August by protesters demanding Prime Minister Najib Razak’s resignation over a financial scandal.
They also called for deep reform by the government, whose critics accuse it of using repression, corruption and electoral chicanery to stay in power.
Jamal said Wednesday’s event rally was backed by 250 Malay NGOs and would underline Malay support for Najib.
“We hope to see a sea of red in the capital. We encourage everyone to wear red,” Jamal said.
Red is the colour of the ruling United Malays National Organisation (UMNO).  Anti-government protesters who took to streets last month wore yellow.
Organisers had earlier announced plans to march through a busy tourist  district that includes many Chinese-owned shops, but have only received  approval to rally at a central park.
 “My advice to the ’Red Shirts’ is not to provoke the other races. We want  to hold a peaceful protest. The Chinese in Kuala Lumpur need not shut their  shops out of fear,” Jamal said.
He lashed out, however, at Chinese elements in the opposition, saying their  actions threatened to “split” the nation.
UMNO has dominated government for decades, reserving economic and other advantages for Malays over the sizable ethnic Chinese and Indian minorities.
But the UMNO-controlled coalition has suffered in recent elections as disaffected Chinese voters flock to the multi-racial opposition, sparking rising anti-Chinese rhetoric by Malay hardliners.
Deadly sectarian riots in 1969 left a deep scar on the national psyche, and the government usually moves swiftly to curb racially provocative actions.
The pro-Malay demonstrators are expected to march through an area dominated by Chinese-owned businesses.
Police have vowed tight security to prevent any disturbances.
 


Najib’s army of 'Red Shirt' pro-government supporters promise peaceful rally amid fears of racial backlash against ethnic Chinese

Pro-government ethnic Malay hardliners wave flags and shout slogans during a demonstration in Kuala Lumpur. Photo: AFP

Malaysia's Prime Minister Najib Razak has been under pressure to resign. Photo: Reuters

Tens of thousands of "Yellow Shirt" Malaysian protesters took to the streets of central Kuala Lumpur last month, demanding free and fair elections. Photo: EPA

Malaysia’s Najib Razak dismisses claims of Umno rift over 1MDB scandal

Malaysia's Prime Minister Najib Razak (left) shakes hands with his former deputy prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin (front R)  after the Umno's supreme council monthly meeting. Photo: AFP

Former Malaysian leader Mahathir Mohamad, arriving back at Subang airport, vowed to co-operate with any police investigation. Photo: Reuters

Malaysia’s PM Najib Razak reasserts command with National Day celebrations

Malaysia's Prime Minister Najib Razak (C) gestures as his deputy, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (L), looks on before the start of National Day celebrations at Independence Square in Kuala Lumpur. Photo: AFP

Protesters cheer and wave the Malaysian flag at the end of their anti-government rally in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday. Photo: AFP

Former Malaysia leader Mahathir urges 'people power' to topple Najib

Demonstrators in Kuala Lumpur sing their protest song yesterday. Tens of thousands vowed to hold their ground to step up pressure on the prime minister to resign.Photo: EPA

In Malaysia's widening political crisis, Najib Razak's fight is only just beginning

Two years ago, Najib Razak (right) was presented as prime minister and Muhyiddin Yassin his deputy. Photo: Reuters

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