REALLY? Even Malays were shocked to see racist slogans at Najib rally

SO thousands of Malays successfully made their voices heard during the Red Shirts #Merah169 rally yesterday on Malaysia Day.

The rally, also dubbed as Himpunan Rakyat Bersatu (United People’s Rally), alternatively called Himpunan Maruah Melayu (Malay Dignity Rally), saw ethnic Malays from all over the country march the streets of Kuala Lumpur.

It was really fortunate that it did not end up in racial fights, ala the infamous Low Yat Plaza episode.

There were tense moments though due to unruly protesters, resulting in the use of water cannons; several people were injured, but there was no fatality. Otherwise, the rally was generally a peaceful one.

Call the rally by whatever name, it was most unfortunate for multi-ethnic Malaysia on Malaysia Day, the day when Malaysians should be celebrating togetherness. The red shirt rally marred it with racial slurs.

Those not on ground zero — either as participants or on official duty — learned about the situation via video clips and photos of placards and banners containing racist messages in the social media.

Even the Malays were shocked to see the racially-tinged slogans like “Malaysia belongs to the Malays”, “Defend Malay rights” and “Get rid of SJKC” at the rally.

All these could easily spark racial tension among the communities. Thank God, things were under control.

There is nothing wrong in Malays wanting to protect their own race. But doing it in a provocative manner to the extent of compromising national unity is another thing.

Going to the streets like that for the sake of showing Malay solidarity and just to send a message against the Aug 29-30 Bersih 4.0 rally — which, among others, called for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to step down — was only courting trouble.

This kind of tit for tat is disruptive to racial unity.

What more, some Umno leaders are of the opinion that the rally was a way to “teach a lesson” to those trying to cause trouble to the Malays and Islam.

While a group of the protesters claimed they had joined the rally to protect the Malays, it is unclear what exactly they were trying to protect the Malays from.

This is the very question even the Malays are asking — as evident from comments in the social media. This is so because Umno, which in the country represents Malay leadership and power, still has the biggest number of seats in Parliament.

Umno is officially not behind the rally although some of its leaders were involved and had addressed the group of protesters at Padang Merbok.

Party leaders had also openly supported the rally as a show of Malay unity. At least one leader had even declared the rally a success.

Since race relations have not improved much post the May 13 racial riot of 1969, compromising racial harmony to gain political mileage should be avoided and put to a stop.

Sept 16, especially, should be a day to celebrate Malaysian unity — not Malay unity. - Therakyatpost