JERANTUT: Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has described the organisers and participants of the Bersih 4 rally as "shallow and poor" in patriotism.
The Prime Minister said that despite having different political ideologies, they should mark the National Day by flying the jalur gemilang as an appreciation of the country's freedom fighters.
"We want to celebrate independence, there are some people who want to show their feelings at the historic place in Merdeka Square.
"Don't they understand, are they that shallow and poor in their patriotism and love for their motherland. Don't they understand the country was built on the blood and sweat of our freedom fighters.
"From the era of Mat Kilau, Tok Janggut and Umno freedom fighters to our soldiers and police, who died as martyrs, because we want to ensure the independence of our country," he said when officiating the Jerantut Umno delegates' meeting.
The event was also attended by Pahang Mentri Besar, who is also state Umno chairman, and Jerantut division head Ahmad Nazlan Idris.
Najib, the Umno president, was received by over 5,000 leaders and members.
Najib said the actions of Bersih were seen as deliberately trying to discredit Malaysia's image at the international level.
"Those who wear this yellow attire, who are they, they want to discredit our good name, scribble black coal on Malaysia's face to the outside world, when in reality, this is their country because of Umno's struggle they are successful," he said.
At the same time, he said under the current circumstances facing the party, Umno leaders and members must adhere to discipline and have a love and compassion for the party to strengthen it.
"If we love and cherish our party very much, then we will not do anything to jeopardise the interests of the party.
"If there are differences of opinion, there are limits, decorum, channel to chide because in the party there is discipline and we need to safeguard this process.
"It is not that Umno does not allow differences of opinion, in fact I am also open minded but it must adhere to discipline, only then the party can become a successful organisation," he said.
Najib said any news, including on social media, must be checked for authencity to avoid it becoming slanderous and destroy the party.
"The paradigm has now been reversed, what is reported in the social media is more credible than mainstream media. Don't allow the tricks of perception over reality," he added. - Bernama
