May 13 Gertak

PRESS STATEMENT

MIC strongly condemns the May 13 gathering scheduled to be held in Terengganu by Gerakan Kebangkitan Rakyat (Gertak). We see no meaningful benefit to be derived from such a gathering. In fact it will set back the government’s effort in fostering national unity. It will create tension as others might want to organize similar race based gatherings on May 13 in future.

Whilst we respect freedom of expression and right to peaceful assembly, a gathering of this nature will set our country back to the 1960s.

May 13 is a bitter chapter in Malaysian history. We have put it behind us and moved forward. Y.A.B Dato Seri Najib’s 1 Malaysia concept and N.E.M are good examples of the way forward for Malaysians.

If the organizers’ main aim is unity, then it should include NGOs from all races. Having a gathering comprising of only one race in the shadows of May 13 will only polarize race relations in Malaysia .

We are disappointed with Institut Integriti Malaysia (IIM), if it is true that they are co-organizers of this gathering. IIM should focus on instilling integrity and unity amongst all races, not any particular race.

In order to move forward, all parties, political or non-political, must champion rights of all Malaysians and work towards true unity under the concept of 1 Malaysia .

S.Murugessan

Secretary General

M.I.C.