Rais Yatim: Picture-stomping can only lead to disaster

Socio-Cultural Adviser says the Malays and Muslims were mocked, as well as the country’s kings, prime minister and leaders.

KUALA LUMPUR: Socio-Cultural Adviser to the Government Rais Yatim warned Malaysians that the stomping of leaders’ pictures that took place during the Bersih 4 rally would only lead the country to further disaster.

He drew parallels to the incident in Iraq when the people there stepped on the US president’s picture only to suffer the consequences of their actions when his son, became president of the US years later.

“Previously in Iraq, they (Iraqis) stepped on George Bush’s (Senior) picture and when his son, George W Bush, became the President (of the United States), he said there were weapons of mass destruction in Iraq.

“That led to chaos. Those are the consequences of stepping on leaders’ pictures. His son (George) tracked down Saddam Hussein. So do not bring this culture to Malaysia,” said Rais in his speech during Himpunan Silat Merdeka (Merdeka Silat Gathering) held at Dataran Merdeka here last night.

Also present at the event were Prime Minister Najib Razak, Dewan Negara Speaker Abu Zahar Ujang and Pesaka President Ali Rustam.

The former Cabinet Minister made these comments after some Bersih 4 rally goers stepped on a picture of Najib and PAS President Abdul Hadi Awang.

“Malays and Muslims were mocked, our kings were mocked, our prime minister and our leaders were mocked. Najib is the leader of the country for all races. How could they insult him this way?”

On Wednesday, approximately 50,000 Malays took to the streets of Kuala Lumpur to protest against the allegedly “kurang ajar” (rude) behaviour.

The Red Shirts rally alternatively named Himpunan Kebangkitan Maruah Melayu (Rise of Malay Dignity Rally) however turned chaotic after hundreds attempted to breach police barriers to enter Petaling Street. The Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) then deployed water cannons to disperse the aggressive crowd and restore calm to the area.

“Bersih held their rallies four times and they challenged us. We got the permit (to hold the Red Shirts rally). We were simply showing our dissatisfaction.

“We choose the government through the ballot box, not street protests because we do not want to become like Syria. If that’s the case, our country will turn into hell,” Rais  said.