PETALING JAYA (THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - A group of 16 Muslim individuals and organisations has spoken up against the anti-Bersih 4 "red shirts", saying that they do not represent the voice of the Malay Muslims.

The group said that the rally planned by the "red shirts" on Malaysia Day is provocative.

"The location chosen for the rally, the depiction of a keris-wielding warrior with an incendiary caption underneath its promotional posters dispel any doubts that the intent is one of provocation and intimidation," said the group in a statement on Monday (Sept 7).

"But we do not redeem our honour and dignity by blaming other races whilst helping an embattled political elite.

"One redeems one's honour and dignity by upholding the principles of truth and justice, holding accountable those whom trust and responsibility has been placed on their shoulders.

"We redeem our honour and dignity by remaining true to the moral teachings of Islam and exposing the hypocrisy of those who use religion to cling to power," it said.

The group praised Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar for having dissuaded the "red shirts" from holding their parallel rally on Aug 29 and 30.

"This defused what would potentially have been an explosive situation, bordering on racism and bigotry and threatening our racial harmony," it said.

However, the group said that the threat by the "red shirts" has not completely passed with their planned rally on Sept 16.

"Any call towards incitement of racial strife must be dealt with swiftly.

"We urge the Royal Malaysian Police Force to once again act with professionalism to maintain peace and order in these uncertain times," said the group.

The group of Muslim individuals and organisations are made up of the Muslim Professionals Forum, Pertubuhan IKRAM Malaysia, Islamic Renaissance Front, Islamic Medical Association of Malaysia, Dr Amir Farid Isahak, Jihad For Justice, We are Malaysians, Malaysian Indian Muslim Action Council, Ipoh Tamil Muslim Development Association, Persatuan Kebajikan Muslim Kinta, G25, Persatuan Promosi Harmoni Malaysia, Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia, Pertubuhan Pemuda GEMA Malaysia, Research & Information Centre on Islam, and President of IIUM Academic Staff Association Dr Maszlee Malik.