Gerakan president Koh Tsu Koon has urged political party leaders to avoid politics of violence as it would affect harmony among the people.

He said the acts of making provocative remarks either in the media or during political gatherings could inflame anger, and incite hatred and violence among rival parties.

"We should emphasise on harmony, including restraining from uttering harsh words, and resorting to rude behaviour and violent acts in the run up to the next general election," he told reporters at the Gerakan headquarters at Menara PGRM, Cheras today.

He was commenting on several untoward incidents involving members of political parties like splashing paint on a vehicle of a political party, damaging an elected representative office and disrupting political gatherings.

Describing such violence acts as an unhealthy trend and an egoistic behaviour, he said the acts were against Malaysian identity and culture.

Gerakan AGM on Sept 30

Koh, who is also Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, urged all political parties to pursue a moderate path on issues and used proper channels like the Dewan Rakyat, the state assembly, forums and the media to air their views.

Meanwhile, he said the Gerakan national delegates' conference would be opened by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on Sept 30.

The conference with the theme ‘Together with the People, 1Heart, 1Vision and 1Nation’ starts on Sept 29.  

Koh said Gerakan would to amend two clauses in the party's constitution related to the Universities and University Colleges (Amendment) Act 2012 to allow university students to join the party, and to delay party polls for another eight months.

- Bernama