Zainal Kling kicks off Malay Dignity Congress with hardline speech

Academic Zainal Kling has launched the Malay Dignity Congress with a hardline speech full of emphasis on the sovereignty and special position of the Malay race.

“The Malay people have been living on this land for a long time, building our rule and sovereignty.

“With our values and our culture, we allowed our country to be ruled and administered (colonised) by others, then we reclaimed it (the country) in the name of independence.

“It is this independence we are reclaiming again today because it is due to this independence that we have our sovereignty and power," said Zainal, who is also chief executive of the Malay Dignity Congress secretariat.

“We accept other people as equal citizens of our country, except we claim certain special demands.”

Zainal added that the Federal Constitution was based on Malay history and traditions.

"The Federal Constitution protects Malay rights and the position of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong," he said.

"This is our land, it is under our care."

Zainal said there were those who took advantage of the good nature of the Malays to manipulate and provoke them and insult the Islamic religion and the institution of monarchy.

He also issued a warning, saying there were those who were attempting to re-write the social contract.

The event at the Stadium Malawati in Shah Alam kicked off with Zainal’s speech around 9.30am in which he addressed a 5,000-strong crowd.

There were also more outside the stadium where organisers have set up tents, a giant screen and chairs.

Prominent leaders attending the event included those from both sides of the political divide, such as Umno secretary-general Annuar Musa and former ministers Khairy Jamaluddin, Hishammuddin Hussein and Noh Omar, PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang and Kelantan Menteri Besar Ahmad Yaakob.

Also present were Bersatu’s Redzuan Yusof, Mustapa Mohamed, Ahmad Faizal Azumu, Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, Maszlee Malik and Mukhriz Mahathir, as well as PKR deputy president Azmin Ali and Amanah chief Mohamad Sabu.

Other prominent attendees at the congress included Perlis mufti Asri Zainul Abidin and singer Siti Nurhaliza.

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad is expected to give a speech at the congress later in the morning. - Mkini