Perkasa chief Ibrahim Ali said there is no need for organisers to control the sentiments of those participating in Saturday's anti-apostasy rally, Himpunan Sejuta Umat (Gathering of one million Muslims).

"Why should it be controlled if (Himpun) is about defending our faith and the sanctity of Islam... I don't think there will any big trouble," he reasoned when quizzed on the word of caution by PAS that the objective of the rally was to ignite polemics between religions.

NONE Ibrahim instead accused PAS of attempting to gain political mileage by opting out of the rally.

"If they see other rival parties endorsing the rally, they will not agree. If it is organised by their party, and their leader is speaking, only then it is alright," said the Pasir Mas Independent MP.

"But Islam is not the exclusive property of PAS, it belongs to all who practice the religion," he added.

The Himpun organisers had earlier stated that Ibrahim is not involved in organising the rally, but the latter said that he will attend the event nonetheless.

He added that he will continue to support the rally despite not being invited to address the gathering on Saturday.

Deputy minister expresses unease

Meanwhile, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Liew Vui Keong has expressed his reservation over the planned rally.

He called on Prime Minister Najib Razak to rein in Umno members who have pledged their support for Himpun.

NONE "I urge the prime minister to calm down the Umno supporters on this particular issue... I think we must be very careful since all this (has the tendency to fan) religious sentiment against others," said Liew ( far right in photo ).

"When it comes to the issue of religion, we have to leave it to the sultans and the Agong, who are, under the constitution, caretakers for all such matters," he said.

He cautioned all those planning to attend the rally not to "over react" and leave it to the authorities to deal with the matter.

"We in East Malaysia don't have this kind of problem. We are able to overcome our differences.

"It is very important that we must overcome our differences and be able to look into the common things we have together, and from there we can maximise on it and use it for the common good of the people," he told Malaysiakini .

"We have opened up our horizons, (we) live in a multiracial country and we have to be sensitive to each other's feelings. So please don't overdo it for the sake of politicising the issue," added Liew.

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