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Organiser: ‘Malay Proclamation’ event featuring Dr Mahathir has new name and venue

Malay Mail
Malay Mail

KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 — A controversial event featuring former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has undergone a name change and is now called “Celebrating Ramadan”, from the original “Malay Proclamation”, in conjunction with the advent of the Muslim holy month.

The organiser Sekretariat Tanah Air told Malay Mail that the event has been relocated to Ideal Convention Centre (IDCC) in Selayang after an “unexpected response”.

“The event anticipates welcoming more than 300 attendees, not including the signatories,” it told Malay Mail, in reference to prominent figures such as Professor Datuk Hashim Yaacob and former senator Tan Sri Ibrahim Shah Abu Shah who are expected to sign the Malay Proclamation today.

The organiser also said that the event will take place at the same time as was previously scheduled, which is 2pm.

Yesterday, it was reported that the organiser had decided to postpone the event after encountering a second venue hiccup, saying it was “having difficulties” finding the right place.

Sekretariat Tanah Air describes itself as a group of Malay volunteers fighting to save the country’s ethnic majority from being subjugated by a minority.

On Friday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim issued a stern warning to parties that he said were using race and religion to promote strife, saying his government will “not tolerate in the slightest bit” any form of racial instigation and will “continue to uphold the Federal Constitution” as he pledged to lead a government that is inclusive.

His remarks came after Opposition coalition Perikatan Nasional and some elements in the majority Malay-Muslim community appeared to be fanning the flames by accusing a Youth and Sports Ministry event of Christian evangelism, targeting LGBT participation in the annual Women’s March, and threatening violence against those involved in the film Mentega Terbang.