Apparently there is a rationale behind former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad's appearance at the Bersih 4 rally two weeks ago.

Sungai Besar Umno division chief Jamal Yunos today claimed that Mahathir's thinking has been colonised by the opposition for him to attend the rally.

Jamal, who is also chairperson of a group of Malay NGOs and spokesperson for the Sept 16 red shirt rally called Perhimpunan Kebangkitan Melayu , said the Malays who attended the Bersih 4 event had their minds colonised by the majority of those in attendance, namely the Chinese.

"Ninety percent of those who attended Bersih are Chinese from DAP and this gives the picture that it is organised by the DAP Chinese.

"Hence, the thinking of the Malays, including that of Mahathir, had been colonised," he said at a press conference held at the Raja Sulaiman Club in Kampung Baru.

Jamal further claimed that Mahathir took the opportunity to attend Bersih rally for his own self-interests.

"There is something that he wants and that is why he attended Bersih. He would do anything to ensure Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak is removed. That is Mahathir's psyche," he said.

'Opposition demonising the red shirts'

Jamal also claimed that the provocations against the rally demonising the ‘red shirts’ are the handiwork of the Opposition.

He said the Opposition utilised social media to paint an ugly picture about them.

"Social media cannot be controlled now and we see on the Opposition’s side, they are trying to take advantage and try to colonise the minds of Malaysians and Malays.

"The ones coming up with extreme provocations and racist statements are from that side (the Opposition). We are the good guys," he said.

Jamal also said they will go ahead with their Sept 16 rally even if the authorities refused them an approval or permit.

"If police do not allow, it is up to them but we will continue to gather to celebrate Malaysia Day.

"We agree that on Sept 16; it is our national day," he said, claiming the organiser of the event was Malay rights group, Pesaka.

Reported to be a counter rally to Bersih 4, a mammoth gathering held over the Merdeka Day weekend, the 'red shirt' rally is scheduled to start at 11am.

The red shirts are scheduled to gather at Jalan Bukit Bintang and march to Petaling Street, heading towards Padang Merbok before ending their gathering at midnight.

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