KUALA LUMPUR: Barisan Nasional component parties have expressed differing views on the planned rally tomorrow, but all agree that any gathering must stick to the law and follow police instructions.
Barisan chairman Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said leaders and representatives of the coalition’s component parties gave many views regarding the planned gathering.
“We have agreed to disagree as there were many views presented, with some raising their worries while others objected to the rally, saying that Sept 16 is not a suitable date to hold a gathering.
“As chairman of Barisan, I respect the views expressed by our partners,” Najib told a media conference after chairing the coalition’s supreme council meeting last night.
Najib said that whatever the case, it was important that the organiser and participants of any gathering to follow the law, particularly the Sedition Act.
“They must also get police approval on the venue and on other matters. They cannot parade posters containing racial messages which can raise issues regarded as seditious or racial.
“There must not be any friction or conflict, and police have been asked to ensure tight monitoring including on the routes used.”
The Prime Minister said that most senior Barisan leaders would be in Kota Kinabalu tomorrow to celebrate Malaysia Day.
“Kota Kinabalu will be where we will express our commitment to the setting up of Malaysian on Sept 16, 1963 and to reiterate our commitment as a nation,” Najib said.
MCA president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, when met by reporters later, said MCA objected to the rally because its timing on Sept 16 was not right.
“The rally has racial undertones which we feel can jeopardise race relations among the people of this multi-racial country.
“The rally might also affect businesses and even economic growth because of the tensions it would create,” said Liow.
MIC president Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam said his party had also expressed its disagreement with the organising of such a rally.
On another matter, Najib said that Barisan would present its mid-term report card to the people before the end of the year.
He said the Government had made numerous pledges to the people in its 2013 general election manifesto.
With the Government’s five-year term of office now nearing its midway point, the people should know the progress of delivery on these commitments.
