Najib defends ‘red shirt’ rally, says not seditious or racist

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak (centre) seen at the National Silat Federation Silat Assembly at Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Afif Abd Halim, September 19, 2015. The "Himpunan Rakyat Bersatu" rally held on Wednesday was a manifestation of the rise of Malays to defend their dignity and the country's leadership from being condemned and humiliated.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said even though several illegal rallies had been held before this to challenge the dignity of the Malays, they were patient.

“But the Bersih 4 rally was considered the turning point when several participants went beyond the limit by stomping on the picture of national leaders and insulting the country's leadership,” he said at the National Silat Federation (Pesaka) Silat Assembly 2015 at Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.  

Speaking before 15,000 members of Pesaka from all over the country, Najib said: "Slapped once, we did not do anything. The second time... nothing... the third time... nothing... but the fourth time had crossed the limit. Malays also have rights.

"The Malays will stand up when their pride is scarred, when their leader is insulted, condemned and humiliated. It's enough, do not repeat such vengeful acts," he said.

He said the assembly of silat exponents tonight showed they were prepared to defend the nation's dignity from being humiliated.

In his speech, Najib also reminded that the government could not be changed through street demonstrations.

"Do not think the government today has no support...the 15,000 people assembled here tonight are also our supporters," he said.

The prime minister said the Malays despite having the right to be angry following several illegal rallies before, could still assemble in a civilised manner.  

"No seditious or racist banners, no stomping of pictures... so other people should not be worried, as we are not people gathering or carrying out street demonstrations to topple the government," he said.  

At the event, Najib also declared silat as the official national art of self-defence.

Najib said as prime minister, he wanted to see Malay silat spread to every corner including government offices, government-linked companies and even universities.

"We want the Malay silat world to be empowered," he said. – Bernama, September 19, 2015.