Don't be influenced by political opportunists, says Muhyiddin of tomorrow's (May 4) rally

PETALING JAYA: Commenting on a rally, dubbed “Gathering 405”, being organised in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday (May 4) to “defend the sovereignty of Islam”, Home Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin rejected the notion that Pakatan had sidelined the Malays and Muslims.

“Fifty-three cases of insulting Islam and Prophet Muhammad have been investigated; eight of these have been brought to the courts," he stated.

The organisers of the rally, Gerakan Pembela Ummah and other NGOs, claim the Pakatan Harapan government is sidelining the Malays and Muslims on issues such as the Rome Statute, the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (Icerd), the Unified Examination Certificate and the death of fireman Muhammad Adib Mohd Kassim in the Seafield temple riots in Subang Jaya.

“There are those who claim that the status of Islam under Pakatan is being challenged. As a (leader in a) multiracial and multi-religious country, I would like to advise Malaysians to preserve the harmony between the races.

“Do not be easily influenced by those who take the opportunity to gain political interests and fuel racial and religious sentiments,” said Muhyiddin.

He also implored the people to accept the fact that Malaysians come from diverse backgrounds.

Nonetheless, he said the Pakatan government was committed towards upholding Islam as the official religion of the Federation, as per the Federal Constitution.

Muhyiddin advised those participating in the rally to abide by the nation’s laws and regulations.

“If they follow the regulations stated under the Peaceful Assembly Act, then it will not be a problem.

“The organisers must ensure that the rally is conducted in a peaceful manner,” Muhyiddin said.

Muhyiddin rejected the notion that Pakatan had sidelined the Malays and Muslims.