Federal Territories Minister Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor today said the rally on Sept 16 is not to "protect Malay dignity" but is a rally for those who love the country and support the government.

"This is not a Malay gathering but a gathering of the rakyat, who are from different races. I feel other races will also come down and gather," said Tengku Adnan, who is also Umno secretary-general.

"If the people love the country, regardless Chinese, Malay and Indians should participate to show their support to the government," he said in a press conference after launching Projek Residensi Razakmas today.

However, Tengku Adnan said he would not be attending the rally as he had to be at another place that day.

When asked to comment over the possible attendance of Umno members in the event, Tengku Adnan who is Umno secretary-general, said he did not know, as the party is not the organiser.

In fact, he said Umno would not direct its members to attend the rally.

“Umno has not mobilised its members, it is up to the individual. I do not know if other wings have directed its members to attend.

"As the party president had said after chairing the Supreme Council meeting, he will not stop or encourage participation. But they have to follow the law, even though they are Umno members,” he said.

To questions whether the gathering would affect Umno or BN's image, Tengku Adnan stressed that the party is not the organiser.

“It is not the same with the Bersih rally, as we know DAP is behind it. I do not think stepping on a leader's photograph is part of Chinese culture but it is something brought in by the DAP.”

Tengku Adnan said Padang Merbok is defined as a specific place and that is why the application is allowed.

“We do not allow street demonstrations. But if the rally is at a specific place or at a closed venue, we will allow it,” he said.

It was reported that Kuala Lumpur City Hall has approved the rally organised by the National Silat Exponent Association (Pesaka), called Himpunan Bersatu Rakyat, for this Wednesday.

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