‘Why does govt need a rally for NGOs?’

The federal government, as a decision-maker, should have solved all the problems repeatedly raised by NGOs, says Dong Zong.

PETALING JAYA: The United Chinese School Committees Association (Dong Zong) has cast doubts on the intention of a pro-government group to organise a mega NGO rally, on Nov 24, ahead of the general election.

Dong Zong deputy president Chow Siow Hon described the proposed rally, dubbed as ‘Himpunan Barisan 1Malaysia’, as redundant because many NGOs had already pressed their demands using words and actions.

His comment came after Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister Department Ahmad Maslan announced the rally yesterday and invited 1,500 NGOs including Dong Zong to voice up through the platform.

Ahmad said the rally was a gathering between leaders and people who embraced the 1Malaysia spirit and each participating NGO would be given a feedback form for comments.

Chow said Dong Zong has yet to receive an official invitation but would weigh the matter carefully.

“I don’t think the objective of the rally is to solve the problems, but for the elections.

“Since they are government, they could have held meetings to look into the outstanding issues raised by NGOs. Why do we need a rally?” he said when contacted by FMT today.

He added that Dong Zong would consider the invitation but was skeptical about what kind of a difference attending the rally would make.

Nov 25 protest

Meanwhile, Chow said the Dong Zong’s protest on National Education Blueprint would be held as scheduled on Nov 25, regardless of the outcome of the NGO rally.

He said a police permit had been issued for the Nov 25 rally and there was no way for a U-turn now.

Yesterday, the Chinese education pressure group released a 24-page booklet detailing the objective of the rally, frequent questions and answers, newspaper cuttings, and promotional materials in the run up to the rally.

It also stressed that the rally would have a multiracial appeal as they have invited groups from all types of schools to attend.