Street rallies have a purpose

THE public is much relieved that the race-motivated red-shirts rally did not take place largely due to firm police action in discouraging the organisers and warning them that they would face the consequences if they proceeded to march on Petaling Street. There must have been other behind-the-scene pressures from the top to make the organisers realise that the rally was not good for the country as it would strain race relations and cause the already weak economic and market sentiments to deteriorate. It would raise questions among investors and the international community on whether Malaysia was heading towards being a failed state.

We thank God that common sense prevailed on all sides.