Police need to halt 'red shirt' rally - MIC

MIC president Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam urged the police to use all available means to halt the 'Red Shirt' rally planned for Sept 16 in Kuala Lumpur.

He said there was a risk that the protest may result in unwanted incidents, which could have a negative effect on the country's political stability, economy and racial harmony.

"The Red Shirt protest is indeed race-based and cannot be allowed to take place. Any spark may result in a conflagration that consumes our nation and destroys our economy.

"I fear that eventually Malaysian citizens will become unnecessary victims of such incidents," he told a press conference at the Negeri Sembilan MIC headquarters here Saturday.

The 'Himpunan Rakyat Bersatu' or Red Shirt rally is allegedly being organised as a retaliation to the Bersih 4 rally held in the federal capital on Aug 29 and 30.

Dr Subramaniam, who is also Health Minister, said MIC had consistently been against the culture of street demonstrations and does not condone any attempt to overthrow a government through street protests.

He said the party had also spoken out clearly against Bersih 4 and directed its members against participating the illegal rally while action could be taken against those who participated.

He added MIC also condemned the actions of a few of the Bersih 4 participants who humiliated some of the country's political leaders by stepping on their pictures.

"All such actions are foreign to the political culture which has been practiced in Malaysia. We are concerned with the importation of the culture of street politics akin to what has been practiced in other countries (into Malaysia)," he said.

Dr Subramaniam said the culture of street politics could be dangerous and detrimental to the multiracial and multi-religious fabric of the nation.

He called on all parties to desist from making provocative statements which could worsen the situation.

"Let us not foster division and distrust on Malaysia Day on Sept 16, but use it as an opportunity to unite and promote the spirit of inclusiveness in the realm of national politics," he said.