Respect the key message of Himpun 16, says Najib

KUALA LUMPUR: The Himpunan Rakyat Bersatu showed that racial harmony must always be preserved in order to ensure peace in the country, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak (pix). 

He said that each community must continue to respect one another or risks hurting each other’s feelings. 

"The Malays can also show that they can stand up when their dignity are being hurt and their leadership being insulted. 

"Respecting one another is the main message of the Himpunan Rakyat Bersatu rally," he said in his address at the Himpunan Silat Pesaka Merdeka 2015 on Friday night. 

At the event, Najib announced that the silat has been elevated and recognised as the country's official martial art. 

Najib also thanked the red rally supporters for obeying the law when they gathered at Padang Merbok on Wednesday. 

"On the day of the rally, some of the shops at Bukit Bintang were closed and Kuala Lumpur became empty. 

"Some even thought that there would be a racial clash. 

"However, the police informed me that the Malays had respected the law and could hold peaceful assemblies.

"The people should not worry as there was no banners inciting racial tension, pictures of keris with blood or any stomping of pictures of Opposition leaders," he said. 

Najib added that the public should continue to support the democratically-elected Government. 

"Do not believe in the 'poison' spread from within, outside or the social media,” he said. 

The event, which was organised by the National Silat Association (Pesaka), saw various silat groups across the country pledging their loyalty towards the leadership of Najib and the Barisan Nasional government. 

On Wednesday, the situation was under control during the Himpunan Rakyat Bersatu except for a standoff between the Federal Reserve Unit against the red shirt rally supporters in Petaling Street.