Now that street rallies are over, let's move on - Rafidah

Former International Trade and Industry minister Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz has urged all quarters to move on and focus on national unity, now that street rallies are over.

In her latest Facebook posting, Rafidah urged all to see each other as fellow Malaysians and show the world that Malaysians are a peace-loving nation and united.

“Now that people have got what irks them out of their hair, off their chests and have somewhat been able to get rid of whatever geram they might have ...is it not time for all of us to gather our thoughts and think through our way forward...together as Malaysians,” she questioned on her Facebook page.

“We need to do this as a multipronged effort of all who want to see Malaysia continue to move forward successfully, towards 2020 and beyond,” she added.

“Alhamdulillah...nothing untoward happened yesterday...except some got a bath from the FRU hoses?,” the UMNO veteran wrote.

On Sept 16, Himpunan Rakyat Bersatu or the Red Shirt rally was organised by the National Silat Federation in protest of the Bersih 4 gathering Aug 29 and 30.

While the rally went on smoothly at Padang Merbok, Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) personnel were forced to take action by releasing water cannons on the rally participants at Petaling Street allegedly after continued provocation. PHOTO GALLERY: 'Red Shirts' rally

The incident broke out at around 4.40pm as participants refused to budge from the area, which also saw a person being injured to the head after being hit by a hard object, believed to be a rock.

Following the incident, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said police should investigate the matter.

Stating that it should not have happened, Najib said everyone must abide by instructions from the authorities.

The ruckus that broke out at Petaling Street had marred an otherwise peaceful ‘Red Shirt’ rally on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Rafidah also called on the government to prioritise national harmony and never to allow politics to dictate national priorities.

She also urged the youths of the nation to play their part in bringing the country to greater heights.

“Criticise by all means but it must be constructive criticism, with no malice, ill intent. Criticise but help to provide some solutions, never add on to the problems, either by words or actions,” she wrote.