Malaysia to allow rally amid concerns over racial tensions

Kuala Lumpur

MALAYSIAN authorities said on Monday that they have given approval for a rally by pro-government ethnic Malay demonstrators, an event which critics say will fan tensions in the multiracial nation.

Kuala Lumpur mayor Amin Nordin Abdul Aziz, quoted by the state- owned Bernama news agency, confirmed that approval was granted for the so-called "red shirt" rally for ethnic Malay rights on Wednesday.

The rally is being billed as a counterpoint to massive demonstrations in the capital in late August by yellow-shirted protesters demanding Prime Minister Najib Razak's resignation over a financial scandal, and broader reform by the government.

But the perceived pro-Malay tone of the event has drawn criticism from both ruling party and opposition figures that it is racially provocative.

Organisers had earlier announced plans to march through a busy tourist district that includes many Chinese-owned shops, but have only received approval to rally at a central park.

"My advice to the 'Red Shirts' is not to provoke the other races. We want to hold a peaceful protest. The Chinese in Kuala Lumpur need not shut their shops out of fear," said Jamal Yunos, the organising chairman.

He lashed out, however, at Chinese elements in the opposition, saying their actions threatened to "split" the nation.

Malays have dominated the government since the country's independence in 1957. They enjoy economic and other privileges under a longstanding affirmative action programme.

Last month's demonstrations by tens of thousands of people were attended largely by ethnic Chinese, who make up around a quarter of the population.

Those protests triggered fresh rhetoric by hardline Malays who believe their rights are under threat from the Chinese.

Mr Jamal said Wednesday's rally is intended to support Mr Najib and Malay rights.

The prime minister has been under growing pressure to resign since The Wall Street Journal revealed in early July that Malaysian investigators had found nearly US$700 million in deposits in his personal bank accounts.

His government has since acknowledged the deposits, calling them "political donations" from Middle Eastern sources but refusing to give further details.

Mr Jamal, a member of Mr Najib's ruling party the United Malays National Organisation, said that about 250 Malay organisations back the rally and thousands of people are expected to attend.

Police chief Khalid Abu Bakar said his forces "will ensure that it is carried out in a peaceful and disciplined manner". AFP

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