Ex-IGPs engage with Malay NGOs over planned rally next year
Malay NGO Ummah is planning to organise a huge rally in Kuala Lumpur next year and has invited former Inspector-General of Police Hanif Omar to share the stage with other speakers.
Malay NGO Ummah is planning to organise a huge rally in Kuala Lumpur next year and has invited former Inspector-General of Police Hanif Omar to share the stage with other speakers.
Ummah deputy chairperson Mohd Zai Mustafa told Malaysiakini a meeting to discuss the rally was held yesterday, which allegedly included prominent figures like Hanif (photo) and another former IGP, Musa Hassan.
“In a meeting yesterday, we decided to collaborate with more than 1,000 NGOs. Our theme will be on defending the sovereignty of the federal constitution.
“But our sub-themes are defending Jawi, retaining peace and harmony in the country, and other national security issues such as communism,” Mohd Zai said.
He said, so far, they have yet to fix a date but they are looking to hold the rally early March.
When contacted to confirm that he would participate in a rally, Hanif said nothing was confirmed, but his participation would be to defend the sovereignty of the federal constitution.
“Nothing is confirmed other than the purpose of defending the sovereignty of the federal constitution. Several groups and I will review other matters,” he said in a Whatsapp reply to Malaysiakini.
Musa Hassan confirmed that he attended a meeting with Ummah yesterday to “discuss current issues”. However, he has yet to confirm his participation in any rally.
“There was a meeting to discuss current issues but I did not say that I would attend any rally. But if there is one, I will consider (taking part) depending on the agenda, and surely, it must be a peaceful rally,” he said.
Mohd Zai (below) explained that the objective of the rally is to deliver a message to Dong Zong and other associations to abstain from raising sensitive issues in the country.
“Dong Zong can oppose Jawi (implementation in vernacular schools) but please communicate with the ministry directly. By openly opposing not only have they created a negative perception but also clearly rejected the policy set by the ministry," he said.
“Vernacular schools that are against the Jawi teaching don’t deserve to obtain allocation from the ministry because they have opposed the ministry’s policy,” he added.
Yesterday, Dong Zong claimed that it managed to collect signatures from more than 900 out of 1,298 Chinese primary schools that objected to the teaching of Jawi script for Year Four pupils.
However, Dong Zong’s plan to hold a congress yesterday was called off after police secured a court injunction citing security concerns.
Commenting on Hanif’s role in the rally, Mohd Zai said Hanif was appointed to lead the central committee for the rally and it was Ummah which proposed his involvement.
“We suggested Hanif because of his focus on certain sensitive issues. He held a gathering at Padang Merbok recently, he is sensitive to the communist issue. He doesn’t want any quarters to bring up communism again,” he said.
Hanif, in his emotional speech during a gathering recently, claimed that the Attorney-General Tommy Thomas was a good friend to former communist leader Chin Peng, and questioned whether the AG would prosecute those who violated the 1989 Hat Yai Peace Accord.
To gather support for the rally, Mohd Zai said Gabungan Mahasiswa Islam Se-Malaysia (Gamis) has been appointed to embark on a nation-wide roadshow.
“Some NGO leaders, including those who champion the Malay language, will take turns to get involve in the month-long roadshow,” he said.
When contacted, Gamis deputy president Zofrie Zulhilmi said they will carry the task to every state, including Sabah and Sarawak, to create a wave which will peak at the main rally.
“We had a meeting yesterday with Ummah and agreed to do the roadshow. We will gather as many students to create a wave,” Zofrie said.
Mohd Zai welcomed politicians to attend and support the rally but not to share the stage with other speakers.
