Fears of the non-Muslims that the Congregation of a Million Faithful at the Shah Alam Stadium on Saturday will be a session for the bashing of other religions was dismissed today by the organisers of the event.

yusri mohamad pembela spokesperson islam under seige Event chairperson Yusri Mohamad said Himpun, as the event is widely referred to, aims to safeguard the faith of Muslims, "which we want to prevent from getting worse".

In Islam, Yusri said, "we have to ensure that Muslims maintain their faith".

He added: "The cases of apostasy are real and we do not need to wait or look at rising numbers and then take action. As Muslims, if there is one case of apostasy and there is no worry or action, it will be calamity.

"We urge the non-Muslims to get information directly from us, directly from our website. This event will not be turn into bashing non-Muslims. As Malays and Muslims, we have shown that we respect the law and are not extremists against other religions."

That was why, Yusri said, the gathering was being organised in an orderly manner in a stadium, with a proper permit.

"The message Himpun wants to propagate is not extreme. What we intend is to safeguard is our religion," he said.

Faith or akidah, he said, was important to all Muslims.

Yesterday, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Koh Tsu Koon reminded the organisers to be responsible and not to do anything that might upset the feelings of others in this multiracial, multi-religious country.

Former UiTM vice-chancellor Ibrahim Abu Shah, who was also present, said the gathering was not being organised to quarrel with other races or religion but to ensure the unity of Malays and Muslims.

'No provocative banners allowed'

Ibrahim said even Universiti Putra Malaysia academician Lim Swee Tin agreed with this and composed a poem on wanting to see unity among Malays.

Yusri, who hopes there will be 100,000 people in attendance, said the organisers would not allow provocative banners or buntings.

"We will respect the law and other religions," he emphasised, adding that Malays and non-Malays should not hold negative views of the gathering.

himpun 20 oct 2011 "We will try and check the banners and non-Muslims are also invited to watch and see for themselves," he said.

Although there will be no segregation of seats between Muslims and non-Muslims, there would be 500 security personnel, Rela members other volunteers. to look after security that day

Yusri explained the Himpun would include the performance of religious songs, recitation of poems, speeches, doa (prayers) and a joint declaration the organisers hope to give to the Yang di Pertuan Agong to safeguard the faith of Muslims.

“As the Agong safeguards Islamic affairs and the Malay rulers play that role as well,we will handover a copy of the declaration to them also,” he said.

Himpun is apolitical

Yusri maintained that the congregation on Saturday would be apolitical and statements of PAS, Umno or PKR affirmed this.

“This is organised by non-governmental organisation to promote the unity of the Muslims regardless of their background or political affiliation. It is a gathering to safeguard our faith which we hold dearly.

“We also do not want to turn this gathering into a political event as that is not our intention. It is a gathering to show concern  for our faith,” he said.

PAS and PKR have said they would not attend the rally but would not bar their members from attending. Umno Selangor has agreed to participate in it.

Asked whether the event would see PAS, Umno and PKR setting aside their differences for the unity of Malays, Yusri said that this was something beyond their control.

To another question whether Himpun will hold a dialogue with people of other faiths to create better understanding among Malaysians after the event, Yusri said there was a high possibility of this.

The Himpun gathering will be held from 2pm till 6pm.

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