The PAS-controlled Kelantan government has declared Dec 9 as “cuti peristiwa” (occasional holiday) for the state in view of the gathering to be held in Kuala Lumpur the day before.
Menteri Besar Ahmad Yakob said this would allow the people of Kelantan to attend the mammoth gathering to celebrate the federal government's decision not to ratify the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (Icerd).
Sunday is a working day in Kelantan.
Speaking after chairing the state executive council meeting this morning, Ahmad urged all Malaysians to participate in the gathering.
“This is to show our love for the nation with a clear message that harmony between the races must be preserved.
“The Kelantan state government has declared Dec 9 as a 'cuti peristiwa' to facilitate the travel plans with regard to those wanting to attend the gathering.
“Be careful on the road and take care of yourself and your family's safety,” he added.
The menteri besar also expressed hope that the gathering would proceed peacefully. He also urged participants to behave themselves and adhere to the orders from the authorities.
The gathering was initially planned as a protest against the ratification of Icerd, but following Putrajaya's decision on Nov 3 not to do so, it is now being held as a celebration.
The gathering, which is organised by NGOs, has received the backing of both PAS and Umno.
Yesterday, PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man predicted that more than half a million people would attend the gathering.
In a Twitter posting later, Umno secretary-general Annuar Musa thanked the Kelantan state government for declaring the holiday.
The Ketereh MP also requested that the Terengganu, Kedah and Johor state governments consider doing the same.
“The move to reject Icerd is a people's movement to defend the Federal Constitution,” he added. -Mkini
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