PM: 'Please don't make street demonstrations part of M'sian culture'

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak appealed to all not to make demonstrations a part of Malaysian culture.

"We are peace-loving citizens who want to live in peace and harmony, and want to live in a country that has a bright future," he said when explaining the latest issues, especially the Bersih illegal rally, to thousands of people, including Umno divisional heads and Malay non-government organisations, at a special session in Dewan Merdeka at the Putra World Trade Centre on Sunday morning

"Umno will faithfuly uphold the law. We do not tolerate chaos, Najib said.

So many people packed the hall that there was not even standing room left. Many had to listen to him while standing outside the hall.

The Umno president also called on the silent majority, comprising millions of Malaysians, to no longer remain silent but voice their support for the Government.

“They must stop being the silent majority. There are many ways in which you can voice your opinion including using the social network.

“I think it is about time people stand up and be counted about how they feel about things. However, this does not mean for one moment that we (government) are not committed to democracy and the rule of law,” he said.

Najib also said he was asked why he had offered the organisers a stadium for their rally and relied that it was because he respected democratic practices.

“However, I did not offer the Merdeka Stadium to them. They can do it in stadiums located in opposition-ruled states. The Merdeka Stadium is a national symbol,” he said.