Deputy Home Minister Nur Jazlan Mohamed today warned against anyone holding street protests based on race.

A rally planned to be held in Malacca on Saturday, to protest an Oct 1 attack on an immigration officer by alleged “Chinese gangsters”, was called off today.

“On behalf of the Home Ministry, I would like to say that such things (race-based demonstrations) only make matters worse and jeopardise public peace.

“These do not benefit the country,” the Pulai MP said.

The call by Nur Jazlan (photo) also comes after Umno supported the Himpunan Rakyat Bersatu rally on Sept 16, to “defend Malay dignity”.

The Sept 16 rally was to counter the Bersih 4 rally, which was predominantly attended by ethnic Chinese protesters.

The Bersih 4 rally was held to, among others, call for Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak’s resignation.

Speaking to reporters in Kuala Lumpur, Nur Jazlan urged Malaysians not to be influenced by those trying to organise demonstrations on the basis of ethnicity.

Don't fear minority groups

He said Malaysians need not fear “minority groups” who tried to stir the pot by holding such rallies.

“Why must the majority fear minority groups? It is better we ignore them and let police take the necessary action to ensure safety in Malacca,” he said.

Malay army veterans association president Mohd Ali Baharom, who is also known as Ali Tinju, announced the rally yesterday and warned that the Taman Melaka Raya area of downtown Malacca would not be safe during the rally as there could be clashes with “Chinese gangsters”.

The rally was called off to respect the investiture ceremony of the Malacca governor, which falls on the same day.

Nur Jazlan warned all against "challenging" police and the authorities on street demonstrations, which he said are only supported by the minority of Malaysians.

“Public peace is the basis of a good economy, good race relations and good faith,” he told reporters in Kuala Lumpur today.

He said most rallies are illegal, despite the Peaceful Assembly Act, because the organisers failed to get permission from all affected.

“It is illegal according to the Peaceful Assembly Act because of the unsuitable venues. All demonstrations need permission from the owner of the venues. If the owners do not allow it, then the rally is illegal,” Nur Jazlan said.

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