LDP Press statement re Red Shirt rally @ 16.09.2015
LDP strongly condemn the organiser of the so-called red shirt rally on September 16 and the police must put a stop to this gathering as it is full of racial overtones thus will destroy the racial harmony of this country.
LDP is disappointed with the statement from the IGP that the police is unable to do anything to stop this rally. LDP is also disappointed with the statement from the Deputy Prime Minister that he will not stop UMNO members from participating in the rally.
We are not against any legal gathering to voice the people’s grievances. Although the BERSIH 4 gathering is said to be illegal, it was organised in a peaceful manner with clear messages. It is wrong to label it as a Chinese gathering as it was joined by people from all races and from all walks of life who are mostly urbanites.
However, the so-called red shirt rally is without any clear objective and full of racial overtones. It is clearly an attempt by certain group of people to create racial tension between the Chinese and Malay to achieve their selfish agenda. What is even more appalling and worrying is circulation of promotional poster through the social media depicting a keris-wielding warrior charging at another with the caption “Cina turun bersih, sedialah bermandi darah”. The hands behind such poster blatantly seek to create fear, provoke racial conflict and incite crimes. Such poster has degraded Malaysia as a civilised nation. If such act is tolerable, where is Malaysia heading as a nation?
As a leader for all Malaysians, the Prime Minister must stop such event from going ahead.
This red shirt rally will surely further dampen our economy, especially at a time when it is slow and the ringgit is continuing to slide.
I believe all the Barisan Nasional component parties in Sabah and Sarawak will not support this kind of rally which promotes confrontation and stand-off between two races.
LDP will continue to stand firm for racial harmony and defend the rights of all races in the country as enshrined in our Constitution.
DATUK HO JIA LIT
Deputy Secretary General
Liberal Democratic Party
