Just Be Malaysian

I wish to say from the onset that I do not support Bersih or any form of demonstration. While I can understand the concerns Malays may feel regarding the high turnout of Chinese in the recent Bersih demonstration, I am stumped by the reaction of those who are retaliating by organizing the Himpunan Rakyat Bersatu or people’s unity gathering on September 16, Malaysia Day.

To choose Malaysia Day to demonstrate feelings about Malay dignity in any name, be it Kebangkitan Maruah Melayu (Malay Pride Uprising), Himpunan Maruah Melayu (Malay Pride Rally) or Himpunan Rakyat Bersatu, completely goes against the spirit of Malaysia Day.

Bersih did not demonstrate on Merdeka Day and the crowd dispersed before 12am on August 31st, 2015.

So, this time, things have gone too far as they are deliberately showing disrespect to such an important day that commemorates the formation of Malaysia.

Malaysians have to act rationally, not irrationally.

1. Malays should rejoice that few Malays went for Bersih. With that perspective, there is absolutely no necessity to show Malay dignity.

Dignity cannot be quantified by the number of demonstrators in red-shirts.

Dignity can be seen in how we regard others with respect, honour and true Malaysian spirit regardless of class, creed and colour.

2. During such bad times, all the expenditure on red shirts and travelling to the demonstration in total could go a long way if those funds are diverted to the poor and needy in the form of food aid and other necessities.

3. The fact that the forthcoming demonstration has caused 500 shopkeepers and 773 small traders in Petaling Street to decide not do do business on the September 16 Malaysia Day public holiday means loss of revenue for those businesses and a negative impact on tourism and how the world views us.

4. I am very surprised that the authorities have not declared this rally as illegal. I note the following statements:

a. Prime Minister and Umno president Datuk Seri Najib Razak previously said his party does not officially support the rally, but will not stop members from attending. This message was repeated by Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin. (Malay Mail)

b. Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Noor Rashid Ibrahim previously said the rally will not be permitted to proceed due to “security implications”. (Malay Mail)

c. Twenty non-governmental organisations (NGO) are against the holding of the proposed rally, with the name “Himpunan Rakyat Bersatu”. (Malaysian Insider)

d. Police have yet to receive any permit application from the organisers of the Himpunan Maruah Melayu rally next week. Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar stressed that he would not allow the rally to go on, especially in downtown Kuala Lumpur. “We are not allowing it (the rally) due to security concerns. (NST)

NST went on to note that “It was reported that the organisers of the rally were adamant about carrying on with their demonstration, despite not receiving clearance from police to do so.”

I find it utterly deceptive for authorities to make such weak and contradictory statements.

If the IGP has stated that this rally is DISALLOWED, it makes this rally ILLEGAL.

So, why are heads of organisations saying that they cannot stop members from attending this rally?

Are they not condoning and indirectly encouraging people to partake in law-breaking behaviour?

e. What are the police doing about this rally? Are they going to send the FRU, water canons etc and personnel to cordon off the areas?

I exhort all Malays (including non-Malays who for whatever reason want to support this rally) NOT to go for this rally.

And I urge the authorities concerned to make AFFIRMATIVE statements FORBIDDING this rally if at all they are sincere in all their statements made.

Don’t say one thing and behind the scenes, do another. Be real.

Why are Malaysians so into rallies?

Grow up. We need no syiok sendiri orgasmic ecstatic feelings.

We need not be a jaguh kampung.

We need not be heroes.

All we need to do is BE TRUE MALAYSIANS living in harmony and indignity.


Also published by The Malay Mail and The Malaysian Insider and The Rakyat Post.