Bersih is not the only group that can flood the streets of Kuala Lumpur with demonstrators, said National Silat Federation (Pesaka) president Mohd Ali Rustam.

"We feel really insulted by the 40,000 people (who joined Bersih). They think they own Kuala Lumpur.

"(But) there are many silat practitioners in KL. We will gather in Padang Merbok in numbers and in peace," he said.

At least 100,000 demonstrators thronged central Kuala Lumpur on Aug 29 to 30 to demand, among others, the resignation of Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, but critics believe much fewer attended the 34-hour rally.

Speaking at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur today, Ali did not give an estimate of how many people will join the Himpunan Rakyat Bersatu (People United Rally) planned by the silat group rally on Sept 16.

"We have invited NGOs and political parties, especially Umno and PAS. But if it's just us then it's just us," he said.

'We don't want violence'

Himpunan Rakyat Bersatu is to express unhappiness with Bersih, which Pesaka said had offended Malays when some of its protestors insulted Malay leaders during the rally.

Among others, protestors were photographed stomping on a picture of Najib and PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang.

Pesaka said its rally is different from the Himpunan Maruah Melayu (Rally for Malay Dignity) – also known as the red shirt rally – which have been criticised for inciting inter-ethnic violence.

The red shirt rally is also planned for Sept 16, with participants expected to march to Jalan Bukit Bintang and Petaling Street as retaliation against the Bersih rally.

Ali, however, stressed that the silat group does not want any inter-ethnic violence at is rally.

The former Malacca chief minister said the group had wanted to hold its rally at Stadium Negara or at Stadium Merdeka, but there are renovations underway.

"So we chose Padang Merbok, but if they give us Stadium Merdeka, we have no problem with that," he said.

He said a request to use Padang Merbok was submitted on Sept 8.

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