Stand up against slander, corruption and poverty, urges Guan Eng

GEORGE TOWN: The DAP has urged Malaysians to stand up against slander, corruption and poverty to ensure the National Day spirit continues.
Chief Minister and DAP secretary general Lim Guan Eng (pix) said the people were still experiencing "divide and conquer" tactics which affect national unity.
He said corruption resulted in Malaysia now facing an economic and political crisis while the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and decreasing value of the Ringgit has resulted in families facing financial hardship.
He defended the thousands who rallied over the weekend near Dataran Merdeka and said they should not be labelled as "shallow minded and poor."
He said those who rallied were made up of all ethnicities, faiths and backgrounds as they were brave in protesting against corruption and financial scandals.
He said those who attended should not be accused of not loving the country as taking part in peaceful assemblies was not the yardstick for patriotism and love for the country.
"Umno also organised demonstrations when struggling for Independence from the British," the Bagan MP said in his Merdeka statement.
Lim said those who attended should instead be praised for their determination in wanting a country free from corruption.
He said they wanted to ensure independence from colonial rule was not replaced with a colonisation via corruption, riches and abuse of power.