Malaysian DPM Zahid warns rally participants to stay away from racial sensitivities

Those taking part in the rally on Wednesday (Sept 17) have been warned by Malaysian DPM Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to stay away from racial sensitivities or face action. PHOTO: THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK

PUTRAJAYA (THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - Those taking part in the rally on Wednesday (Sept 16) have been warned to stay away from racial sensitivities or face action.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said they must not bring banners and posters with words that touch on racial sensitivities and other matters stated under the Sedition Act.

"The police have set several conditions like no banners or posters with sensitive words during the march from five locations to Padang Merbok.

"The police will seize such banners and posters.

We will take action like we did during the Bersih rally," he said after meeting participants of the Asean Ride convoy here on Tuesday.

Dr Ahmad Zahid said that although the organiser, the National Silat Federation (Pesaka), had obtained the permit to hold the gathering, the police would be closely monitoring those taking part.

He also reiterated that the rally was not an Umno-backed programme but organised by a group of non-government organisations to tell others not to insult people.

"I hope the message is understood by all. As a multi-racial country with people from various cultural and religious background, we have to have respect for one another," added Dr Ahmad Zahid, who is also Home Minister.

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