Gerakan Youth today questioned claims by the government’s top two leaders that Malay dignity has been challenged.

In fact, said Gerakan Youth deputy chief Andy Yong, Malays already dominate most things in society.

"I question whether Bersih 4 or the Chinese actually questioned the Malays' right and dignity? I do not think they did it out of any ulterior motive of racial play.

“As we know, except for the entrepreneurship, business corporates or industry, professionals and economy where there is no dominance by a single race, Malays practically dominate everything,” Yong said in a statement.

Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak (photo) yesterday said the Himpunan Rakyat Bersatu rally on Sept 16 was to show that Malays can stand up for themselves if their leaders are mocked and their dignities challenged.

"They slapped us once, twice, three times, that's fine. But when they slap us for the fourth time, they have gone overboard.

"Malays, too, have the rights. Malays, too, can show that we can stand up when our dignity is torn apart and our leaders mocked and shamed," Najib said at a national gathering for silat practitioners.

The same was said by Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, of the Malaysia Day rally called to counter the Aug 29 and Aug 30 Bersih 4 rally.

The Bersih 4 rally among others called for Najib’s resignation amid allegations of corruption, and was attended by at least 100,000 people, most of whom were ethnic Chinese.

Stop worrying about racial dominance

“PM and DPM should be committed to the pursuit of a non-ethnic approach as the basis of its political struggle, be it in politics, economics, education and culture.

“We ought to move towards economy progress instead of worrying about racial dominance which very often politicised,” Yong said.

According to organisers, the Himpunan Rakyat Bersatu rally which was heavily supported by Umno was also to show that Najib has the people’s backing.

BN had in the days leading up to the rally failed to come to a consensus on the event. Most non-Malay based coalition partners opposed the rally due to its racial sentiments.

About 45,000 people attended the rally, which also saw scuffles after protestors hurled things at police who barred them from entering the traditionally Chinese area Petaling Street.

Several protestors and two police officers were injured, while two protestors were arrested. Police said those arrested tested positive for drugs.

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