Based on democratic principles, the government is permitting a rally by the Opposition against a United Nations treaty that bans racial discrimination, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said.
The prime minister said the government thanked rally organisers if their demonstration tomorrow was an expression of gratefulness to Putrajaya for deciding not to ratify the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD).
“The government does not plan to stop the rally because it violates government policy that supports democratic principles,” Dr Mahathir said on YouTube.
“The government just asks for one thing – which is for organisers to help the police and authorities ensure there is no chaos or damage of public property. Don’t throw rubbish everywhere and take care of cleanliness.
“I pray that the rally will be run smoothly without any disturbance. Let us celebrate democracy in Malaysia together,” he added.
The rally will take place from 2pm to 6pm on Saturday (Dec 7) along Jalan Raja, Kuala Lumpur.
Umno and PAS have said that a total of 500,000 of its members are expected to attend the rally.