The royal decree against playing up racial sentiments for political mileage is aimed at the opposition, 'Red Movement' spokesperson Jamal Mohd Yunos said today.

Speaking to Malaysiakini , Jamal expressed his belief that the decree from the Conference of Rulers was a warning to those who would challenge the 'social contract' and Malay special rights.

"BN and Umno have never played up racial issues. Pakatan, the opposition, DAP, they are the ones that play up racial issues causing Umno and BN to react," Jamal said.

Besides the Bersih 4 protest which was labelled anti-Malay, the Sungai Besar Umno division chief also cited the 'Allah' issue in Selangor as an example of opposition provocation.

"Some people want to gain political mileage and become popular quickly, so they play up racial or religious issues," he said.

Jamal denied that it was the Sept 16 'red shirts' rally (photo) co-organised by him, which attempted to storm Chinatown in Petaling Street, that the sultans were against.

"They (the opposition) had gathered many times, but we only did it once. If it wasn't for Bersih, we would not have held the Sept 16 rally," he said.

The Sept 16 was a reaction to allegations of anti-Malay sentiments during the Bersih 4 rally. The 'red shirts' protest was been marred by racist remarks by both participants and leaders speaking at the rally.

Rulers want 1MDB issue addressed

Jamal said he now plans to hold a rally against the Selangor government on Sunday.

However, PKR vice-president Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin believes the rally uncalled for as the current Selangor government has never been given a royal rebuke like the one made by the Rulers Conference on Tuesday.

“We have never heard the Selangor sultan criticise the Selangor government like the Conference of Rulers that clearly criticised the federal government on 1MDB," Shamsul told Malaysiakini .

The sultans (photo) on Tuesday reminded politicians and NGOs not to stoke racial and religious tensions to garner support.

They stressed that religious and racial harmony served as the foundation of the nation’s stability.

The rulers also called for the probe into 1MDB to be wrapped up soon and for the guilty, if any, to be punished.