MCA President cautions over red shirt rally

MCA president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said today he hoped that the red shirt rally scheduled for Sept 16 in Kuala Lumpur would not be turned into a platform by certain quarters to undermine racial harmony in the country.

The people should realise that any racial tension would only have undesirable implications on national economic growth, he said.

Liow, who is the transport minister, said the people's solidarity and well-being were among the factors that contributed to economic growth and stability.

"We hope that the organisers, whoever they may be, would not organise programmes contrary to the law. Let's organise constructive programmes that can help develop our country.

"More importantly, we have to nurture the spirit of goodwill and harmony that we have upheld for so long. We must never discard the harmony and stability we have enjoyed all this while. That is important," he told reporters after a topping-out ceremony at Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan (Cina) Pei Hwa 2 in Permas Jaya here.

Liow also called on the people to continue to support the government, saying it gave emphasis to multiracial and moderate policies that had contributed to sustainable national development.

The minister also emphasised the importance of continuing with and upgrading education in the various mediums in the effort to create healthy competition.