Ahmad Maslan: Red shirt rally meant to display difference between approved and illegal rallies

KUALA LUMPUR: The International Trade and Industry deputy minister Datuk Ahmad Maslan said the gathering today is meant to display the difference between legal rallies that has been approved by the authorities as opposed to those that were not.
Speaking to the press at Padang Merbok here, he said this message, which is based on the principles of 'Satu Malaysia' (One Malaysia), will be elaborated at the Himpunan Rakyat Bersatu rally.
Ahmad, who is also the chairman of the international Umno alumni (Wellington, New Zealand), said he did not believe in racial disharmony as everyone, despite their differences of race and creed, will need each other to strengthen the nation.
"Today is also about explaning the Rukunegara," he added.
When asked on banners and headgears worn with the words 'Himpunan Melayu Malaysia' and sentiments displayed by some participants being pro-Malays, he said that the gathering is opened to all.
He arrived here at about 1:10pm and earlier went to several gathering spots while riding a motorcycle including the Putra World Trade Center.