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Muslims rally to defend rights in multi-ethnic Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 8, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – Thousands of banner-waving Muslims
dressed in white rallied in the Malaysian capital Saturday demanding
protection of their rights, at a time of growing racial tensions in the
multi-ethnic country.
Big crowds gathered in downtown Kuala Lumpur, chanting “God is great” and
waving banners that read “Long live the Malays”, an AFP reporter said. Large
numbers of police were on the streets and major roads were closed.
Race and religion are sensitive in Malaysia, which is home to sizeable
ethnic Chinese and Indian communities, and the Muslim Malay majority appears
to be feeling increasingly insecure under a new government that is more
representative of minorities.
The rally was originally intended as a protest against a plan by the
government, which took power in May after defeating the scandal-mired old
regime, to ratify a UN convention which aims to eliminate racial
discrimination.
Authorities abandoned the plan after opposition from conservative
politicians and Malays, who feared the treaty could erode privileges they
have long enjoyed.
But Muslim groups pushed ahead with Saturday’s demonstration, which
alongside the convention has become about the bigger issue of defending
Malays’ position in society and Islam.
“I hope the other races don’t challenge the rights of the Malays. As a
Muslim, I want Islam to be the first (priority) in Malaysia,” protester Arif
Hashim, 26, told AFP.
Authorities did not immediately have an estimate for the size of the rally,
which is due to end at 6:00 pm (1000 GMT).
Malays — who make up some 60 percent of the country’s 32 million people —
have been given substantial help, such as financial handouts, for decades but
critics argue the system needs reform.
The United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) — a party that ruled
Malaysia at the head of a coalition until its election defeat — has backed
the rally.
Analysts say it is using the event to divert attention from its troubles.
The party, long a champion of the Malays, has been engulfed in scandal and
infighting since being ousted.
Senior party figures, including disgraced ex-premier Najib Razak, have been
slapped with corruption charges. Najib, accused over the plundering of state
fund 1MDB, denies wrongdoing.
Policies favouring Malays were introduced after riots between members of
the Malay and Chinese communities in 1969 that left nearly 200 people dead.
BSS/AFP/MRI/1454 hrs