Datuk Jamal Md Yunos (second right) is seen in front of the Dang Wangi police station, September 11, 2015. ― Picture by Kamles Kumar

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 11 ― Non-Malays can join the September 16 “red shirt” rally if they support the objective of the demonstration to uphold “Malay dignity”, an NGO said today.

Coalition of Malay NGO president Datuk Jamal Md Yunos also said the upcoming rally on Malaysia Day would be peaceful, despite previously warning non-Muslims to stay away from the city that day to avoid “provocation”.

“Even though [it’s] a Malay rally, we invite those who think on the same page as us. The Chinese, Indian(s) and other races that agree with our view to preserve the Malay dignity and preserve the results of the last election is [sic] more than welcome to join in the rally,” he told reporters outside the Dang Wangi police station here today.

Jamal and a few other NGO representatives are having their statements recorded over several police reports lodged against them.

Jamal, who is also the Sungai Besar Umno division chief, said non-Malays were more than welcome to wear the red rally T-shirt with the words “Kebangkitan Maruah Melayu” [Uprising of Malay Dignity] should they join the gathering at Padang Merbok in the city centre here next week.

“We have emphasised that this is going to be a peaceful rally. The Chinese traders need not to be afraid,” he said.

“If any other race wants to join the rally, they are more than welcome to come. They can even wear a red T-shirt. Only thing, don't wear a yellow shirt,” Jamal added.

The organiser of the September 16 rally is purportedly a Malay martial arts organisation called Persekutuan Silat Kebangsaan Malaysia (Pesaka), led by Senator Tan Sri Mohd Ali Mohd Rustam.

The rally, alternatively called Himpunan Maruah Melayu and Himpunan Rakyat Bersatu, was purportedly organised to counter the purported Chinese domination of the Bersih 4 protest last month.

According to Jamal, Pesaka has invited over 750 Malay NGOs to join in the rally on Malaysia Day.

He added that the organiser has also sent out invitations to all Umno divisions and other political parties, including PAS, and claimed over 30,000 have pledged to attend to date.