KUALA LUMPUR: Former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak will be joining the rally against the International Convention for the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) on Saturday.
Gerakan Pembela Ummah (Ummah) deputy chairman Kamaruzzaman Mohamad, who is the rally director, said Najib had confirmed his attendance at the rally, adding that he believed many of Najib’s followers would also attend.
“It is not just Datuk Seri Najib... we welcome any leader, including those from the government, including Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad himself.
“So, too, those who have voiced out their opposition to ICERD, such as Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa and Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim,” he said.
Kamaruzzaman said the rally organisers were still carrying out discussions with several agencies, including police, to ensure that the event, which is scheduled to begin at 2pm in Jalan Raja, would go on in a peaceful and safe manner.
He said some 12,000 members of Pas’s Amal Unit would also act as “monitors” for the rally.
“We would like to stress again that this gathering is not just about ICERD but also about Malay and Muslim unity, so we don’t want any sort of provocation regarding race or religion.
“This rally is not about race, but a signal to certain leaders in the government who are trying to change the Federal Constitution where it gives special privileges to Malays, Bumiputeras and Islam,” he said.
Kamaruzzaman said those who were trying to “disturb” the constitution seemed to “not love peace and the good relationship” between the races.
“They know that if the Federal Constitution is ‘disturbed’, it will give rise to an uneasy feeling among the Malays and Muslims, and the effect would be great. We worry that this will lead to serious tension,” he said.
Kamaruzzaman said those attending the rally should gather at three checkpoints — Masjid Jamek, Masjid Negara and Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman near Sogo.
He said they would then march to Dataran Merdeka.
“Participants will first perform Zohor prayers, followed for special prayers, then will march to the gathering to Jalan Raja.
“We have planned several activities throughout the rally, including speeches by several community leaders and representatives of non-governmental organisations and political parties.”