Malays feel they have been ‘pushed against the wall’, says education minister

Education Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid says the Malays have a right to assemble and rally on September 16 just like the Chinese did on August 29 and 30. – The Malaysian Insider pic, September 20, 2015.The Himpunan Rakyat Bersatu rally in Kuala Lumpur on Malaysia Day was a manifestation of the feelings of the Malays who feel they "have been pushed against the wall", a senior Umno leader said today

Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid said incidents during the Bersih 4 rally dominated by one race had aroused the feelings of the Malays who decided to join the rally.

"The Malays also have feelings. Many joined the rally not because of incitement by their leaders but feel that the Malays have been 'pushed against the wall'," the education minister told reporters after opening the Padang Terap Veteran Umno division meeting at Pengkalan Tok Mas near Kuala Nerang today.

Mahdzir, who is also Padang Terap Umno division chief, said the Malays too wanted to assemble and march after seeing the Bersih 4 rally attended by the Chinese.

The stomping of photographs of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang by Bersih 4 participants had hurt the feelings of the Malays.

"What are their motives and intentions. They claim the rally was to reject Datuk Seri Najib. By rejecting Datuk Seri Najib, they are also rejecting the Malays."

The Umno leader said the other races should respect the feelings of the Malays if they want the Malays to respect their feelings.

The Malays too have the right to assemble and rally as was done by Bersih 4 participants and that it should not be viewed from a racial angle.

"Some people regard anything done by the Malays as racist without taking into account the feelings and rights of the Malays," he added. – Bernama