Some two thousand people attended a rally on a perceived danger to Malay-Muslim interests in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday (July 28) despite a sudden shower.
Leaders from Umno and PAS joined over 300 Malay-Muslims NGOs calling for the defence of their race and religion from elements supposedly out to destroy their constitutionally-enshrined rights.
Called Himpunan Kebangkitan Ummah (Gathering for Muslim Revival), the rally at the Sultan Sulaiman Club field in Kampung Baru, Kuala Lumpur with cries of “Allahuakbar (God is great)”.
The organisers claimed that the interest of Malay Muslims was in danger since Pakatan Harapan (PH) won the elections in May.
Leaders who attended the rally were PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan, information chief Nasrudin Hasan, central committee member Nik Abduh Nik Abdul Aziz, Umno supreme council member Lokman Noor Adam and former Federal Territories Umno youth chief Razlan Rafii.
Also present was former Umno minister Tan Sri Dr Rais Yatim, who is now with Bersatu.
In a fiery speech, opposed the PH manifesto promise to recognise the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) from independent Chinese schools.
“We can’t have more than one system (of examinations) in Malaysia. Look at Singapore, look at Indonesia, look at India…all countries have only one system.
“So why are we pushing for two system of examination?”
Rais warned the PH government to yield to the demands of the majority and to backtrack on its plans to recognise the UEC or face backlash from Malay-rights groups.
“UEC is a question of sovereignty, it’s a question of race, nationhood and nationality, it’s not a small issue.
“What the voice of the majority is saying, is we don’t want. Study first, we need to look into it before UEC was made a manifesto.
“UEC is placed as promise number 50,” Rais said in his address.
He said the pledge to recognise UEC along with the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) certification should not be given equal importance with other promises in the manifesto such as lowering the price of fuel and goods, and abolishing toll charges.
The rally also featured several Malay-Muslim groups, including Malaysian Muslim Consumers Association (PPIM), Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia (Isma) and Perkasa, among others, which gathered to discuss the topic of “New Malaysia Post GE14: Malay Muslims Under Threat.”
The participants from various Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO) called for the upholding of the rights of the Malays, Islam and the preservation of Bahasa Malaysia among other things.
“We cannot keep quiet today,” said Pertubuhan Kebajikan Darul Islah Malaysia (Perkid) president Masridzi Sat.
“Those who are speaking loudly today are those who dare threaten and insult our race and religion.
“Are we going to let this happen?”
Yesterday, Federal Territories Minister Khalid Abdul Samad said that the gathering appears to be an attempt to create tensions.
“I don’t think they are trying to “membela ummah” (protect the faithful). This group thinks that they are the only ones helping Muslims and Malays.
“This is causing tensions […] they are trying to give the impression that Malays are in danger, despite the fact that the position of Malays and Islam is guaranteed,” he said.