National Silat Exponent Association (Pesaka) president Mohd Ali Rustam said he does not know about the burning of effigies in Kelantan as alleged by two DAP leaders but vouched the `Himpunan Bersatu Rakyat' gathering on Wednesday would not see such actions.

Mohd Ali, who was formerly Malacca chief minister, said that if such acts took place at the gathering on Wednesday, those responsible would have to bear responsibility for it.

“That is their problem. We don't know anything about it. We will not resort to such action on that day but whoever who does it, it would be to their own responsibility,” he said.

“I would not instruct such things. Do not do such things,” he said at a press conference at the Omardin Silat Complex in Batu Caves today.

It was reported today that the effigies of DAP leaders Lim Kit Siang and his son, Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, clad in Bersih 4 t-shirts, were burnt in Kelantan.

Mohd Ali said he would leave the matter to the police if any untoward incidents occurred during the rally..

"Whoever violates the law, it would be their own responsibility. Not the organiser as the organiser follows the law.

"Whatever happens, we will leave it to the police," he said, adding they will abide by police directives including not bringing huge banners to the rally.

'Violation of democracy'

He added that Pesaka will provide 3,000 members as security personnel for the gathering to be held between 2pm and 7pm.

Mohd Ali also vouched that the gathering would not have any racist sentiments. “There will not be any racial issues raised,” he said.

Asked to comment on the Olympic Council of Malaysia statement that sports organisations should not be involved in politics, Mohd Ali said that Pesaka was not only registered as a sports organisation but also as one to uplift the culture and unity of the country.

“When the country is tarnished in such manner, we should state our stand.

"If there are sports organisations but the country is in chaos, there is no purpose for sports organisations. Whether it is sports or culture, we have to look after the peace of the nation.

“When there is a violation of democracy and Rukun Negara, we must protect it,” he said.