KUALA LUMPUR • Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak and his deputy Ahmad Zahid Hamidi were overwhelmed by the support shown for yesterday's United Citizens' Assembly, Umno leader Annuar Musa said.
Speaking towards the end of the rally at Padang Merbok, the Umno Supreme Council member claimed that the event attracted no fewer than 250,000 people.
"I just got a call from PM, who sent his regards to those who attended. PM is in Sabah, celebrating Malaysia Day, and also the DPM, who said they were shocked and touched by a gathering as big and as peaceful as this," Tan Sri Annuar was quoted as saying by the Malay Mail Online.
"This rally is not only the voices of the 250,000 here. Let this be a reminder to all citizens, this country has a leader... anyone who threatens that, we will rise and fight to the end," he added.
In a Twitter post yesterday evening, Datuk Seri Najib said: "Was informed that the rally in KL ended peacefully except for an incident. @PDRMsia should investigate. Shouldn't have happened. All must abide by instruction."
PDRMsia is the Twitter handle of the Malaysian police.
In the afternoon, riot police were forced to spray water on a group of unruly protesters in Petaling Street.
Mr Annuar also read out a 14- point resolution. Rally organisers claim it has been agreed to by political parties and non-governmental organisations aligned to their cause.
It includes defending parliamentary democracy, instilling respect, love and unity among Malaysians, uniting the people to defend the country's stability, rejecting the opposition Democratic Action Party's alleged chauvinist racism, rejecting foreign interference in Malaysia's affairs, rejecting Bersih 4 and similar rallies, and rejecting any speech that insults Islam, the Malay Mail Online reported.
The resolution calls on people to support the government in managing the economic slump, unite to uphold the position of Malays, bumiputeras and other races, defend the duly elected government and seek the Internal Security Act's return.
"History has proven that we are willing to work with others on one condition, that our position as Malays is not questioned, and that our rights are not disturbed," said Mr Annuar, adding: "It doesn't end at Padang Merbok, but it is just the beginning of the rise of our race."
