KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 14 — Umno-linked Malay paper Utusan Malaysia today slammed those opposing this Wednesday’s counter-Bersih rally, saying Malays have as much a right as any other race to gather in large numbers and to express themselves though stressing it must be within the limits of the law.

Senior news editor Zulkiflee Bakar wrote in his column today saying that it was hypocritical for parties that had backed last month’s Bersih 4 rally to oppose the Malaysia Day rally.

“Feel free to interpret the September 16 rally as a response to Bersih’s insolence but it is being organised with good intentions to show unity among Malays.

“It is not about showing the strength of any party but as a signal — if other people can gather, why can’t Malays be allowed to gather? Why so scared?” he asked.

Zulkiflee claimed that the two-day Bersih 4 rally on the eve of Merdeka could be interpreted negatively as well as most of its participants were Chinese and that some of them had stepped on the pictures of Malay leaders.

“Is this not provocative?”

“The September 16 rally should be seen as a gathering for Malay solidarity. It will be a platform for them to express their view and feelings but within the limits set by the law,” Zulkiflee added, reiterating that Malays have a right to gather peacefully.

“Anyone with a Malay soul should not oppose the rally,” he said.

The rally, alternately dubbed “Himpunan Maruah Melayu” and “Himpunan Rakyat Bersatu”, is expected to be held in the city centre this Malaysia Day by Malay groups wearing red shirts to counter the purported Chinese domination of the Bersih 4 rally.

Definite and accurate information on the red-shirt rally on Malaysia Day has been scarce, with initial posters leaving out the name of the organisers and touting meeting points such as Low Yat Plaza, Petaling Street and Bukit Bintang.

But on Friday, police confirmed receiving notice from the September 16 rally organiser — a little-known Malay martial arts organisation called Persekutuan Silat Kebangsaan Malaysia (Pesaka) that is led by former Malacca chief minister Senator Tan Sri Mohd Ali Mohd Rustam.

Ali Rustam held a press conference yesterday confirming the group’s involvement in the event that appears to have received unofficial support from Umno but said Pesaka will pull out as organisers if the authorities reject its bid to use Padang Merbok as its venue.

Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Mohd Amin Nordin Abdul Aziz affirmed to Malay Mail Online today City Hall has approved Pesaka’s application to use Padang Merbok as the venue for its September 16 rally.