When asked on reports that most of the participants in the Bersih 4 rally over the weekend were Chinese, MCA president Liow Tiong Lai said putting a racial label on the illegal rally was not good for the country.

"This has nothing to do with race. Our country is a multi-racial country. Everyone has the right to voice out their opinion, but must do so according to the law. We are a democratic nation," explained the transport minister.

He was speaking to reporters after attending the 'Kembara Kasih Merdeka 2015' programme in Putrajaya today.

All quarters should look ahead and ensure that the multi-racial people in the country will stay united in facing current challenges, he added.

He said local sentiments, especially solidarity of the people, were important in ensuring that the country would be able to survive come what may.

"If the people don't stay united, it will lead to economic downturn and recession," he added.

- Bernama