Umno’s Jamal Yunos calls off 'Red Shirts' counter-rally after Perikatan-backed 'Save Malaysia' rally moves to Kg Baru
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 15 — Sungai Besar Umno chief Datuk Seri Jamal Md Yunos has today called off the “Red Shirts” counter-rally against one that is backed by Perikatan Nasional (PN).
In a statement, he said a counter-rally would only be held if the “Save Malaysia” rally organised by pro-Malay and Islamist groups happen in the Sogo shopping mall or Bukit Bintang.
“I was informed that the rally will be held in Kampung Baru.
“Therefore, the Red Shirt Movement will not be involved in gathering in the same place,” he said.
He explained that since Bukit Bintang and Sogo are hotspots for foreign tourists, a gathering by PN's allies there would affect many traders.
In 2015's Malaysia Day, Jamal had organised thousands of “Red Shirt” protesters in a racially-charged pro-Malay rally. The year after that, hundreds of “Red Shirts” held a counter-rally against electoral watchdog Bersih's pro-democracy protests.
In 2015's Malaysia Day, Jamal had organised thousands of 'Red Shirt' protesters in a racially-charged pro-Malay rally. ― Picture by Choo Choy May
The “Save Malaysia” event is led by the Islamist coalition Ummah and its allied student group Gabungan Mahasiswa Islam Se-Malaysia (Gamis), and also includes pro-Malay group Perkasa.
It has now been joined by Perikatan Nasional (PN) political parties — PAS, Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia and Gerakan — and also Parti Pejuang Tanahair.
Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain said in a report earlier today that the application for the event was rejected for leaving out details such as the location and names of the rally organisers.
However, the organisers have refuted this and claimed no notice has been delivered to them so far.
