File picture shows protesters gathering outside the Sogo Shopping Complex during a #TangkapMO1 rally in Kuala Lumpur August 27, 2016. — Picture by Mohd Yusof Mat Isa

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 29 — Malaysian university students have a duty to protect the country’s independence as its future leaders, Umno MP Datuk Seri Irmohizam Ibrahim said, counting down to National Day celebrations starting August 31.

With a nod to last Saturday’s youth-organised #TangkapMO1 rally in the city, the Kuala Selangor lawmaker advised the undergraduates to focus on their responsibilities as students and not gamble away their future, and the nation’s, by conspiring with foreign forces that would see the ruling Barisan Nasional government fall.

“Chaos and propaganda by foreigners are only to overturn our country that is essentially prosperous without foreign interference.

“Understand our country’s history, don’t gamble the nation’s fate by inviting foreigners who certainly have nothing to lose if our country is destroyed,” he said in a statement late last night.

An estimated 1,000 people braved the city heat for three hours last Saturday to take part in the rally organised by a student movement calling itself the “TangkapMalaysian Official 1 Coalition” that sought to pressure the authorities to take action against the so-called “Malaysian Official 1”, an unnamed high-ranking government official with authority over 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).

The police yesterday said the rally organiser for flouting the provisions of the Peaceful Assembly Act for proceeding with the street demonstration near Dataran Merdeka despite failing to get the permission of the venue owner, City Hall.

Irmohizam who is also Selangor Youth Council president advised the youths to be more sceptical of information disseminated by foreign media like The Wall Street Journal and Telegraph on the civil lawsuit filed by the US Department of Justice (DOJ) to seize more than US$1 billion in assets it said were purchased with money purportedly stolen from 1MDB.

He argued that the information was not credible and “unprofessional” as the DOJ has yet to furnish details, including whom the seized assets would be returned to.

“All the allegations and statements issued by the DOJ should have be followed-up but from what I see, the DOJ doesn’t take the matter seriously.

“Honestly, I can say the DOJ is unjust and only wants to bully our country,” he said.

He urged the students to inculcate a responsible attitude towards the country by understanding and practising the Rukun Negara, especially the fifth national principle that advocates “Good Behaviour and Morality”.

“This fifth national principle is important because it makes us rational citizens. May the 59th Merdeka Day make Malaysians more mature people who love their country,” Irmohizam concluded.