KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 28 — An Umno leader has called on all Malaysians to leave the country and live elsewhere if they dislike the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) government.

According to English daily The Star, Kuantan Wanita Umno chief Datuk Zaiton Mat made the statement yesterday in response to reports on the anti-price hike rally to take place on New Year’s Eve in the country’s capital city here.

In the report, Zaiton said instead of complaining about the government’s shortcomings, those who want BN booted from the government’s seat should leave Malaysia.

“It is better for all of us to work together to make this country a better place.

“Some people, who are bent on causing disturbances and disharmony, are not thankful for the benefits they have been getting all this time.

“Why do they want to destroy the country’s peace by organising a gathering to topple the government?” she was quoted as saying in the newspaper today.

Zaiton reportedly made the remark after leading a group of about 50 Kuantan and Paya Besar Umno division members to lodge a report at the district police station yesterday.

The report was against the rally, which the authorities have claimed is part of an alleged plot to topple the BN government.

Earlier today, the police listed the names of four non-governmental organisations (NGO) as those allegedly planning to ‘cause trouble’ during New Year’s Eve celebrations next week, but did not disclose further details.

The NGOs named were anti-price hike movement Gerakan Turun Kos Sara Hidup (Turun), PKR-backed group Jingga 13, youth group Solidariti Anak Muda Malaysia, and student movement Solidariti Mahasiswa Malaysia (SMM).

“We will not hesitate on taking strict action and arrest any individuals who incite commotion during that night,” said Kuala Lumpur deputy police chief Datuk Amar Singh Ishar Singh in Malay daily Utusan Malaysia here.

On Christmas Eve, police arrested the leader of an anti-price hike movement over a planned rally at Dataran Merdeka on December 31 and an alleged plot to overthrow the government.

On Thursday, the owner of a Facebook page was also picked up by police for allegedly inciting the public to participate in demonstrations on December 31, to topple the government.

SMM chairman Mohamed Bukhairy Sofian, however, said yesterday that the group was not trying to “topple the government” with its planned protest, but rather to address the rising cost of living.

Turun chairman Azan Safar had also clarified last week that the price hike protest is not linked to another planned gathering, which allegedly aims to overthrow the government.

Yesterday, DAP’s Lim Kit Siang said that Putrajaya had concocted “fairy-tale stories” of an alleged plot “topple the government” via a New Year’s eve rally, exposing its inability to adapt to a more vocal citizenry.