Bersih 4 organisers, participants ‘poor’ in patriotism, says Najib

A rally participant holds a banner depicting Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak. Najib says those who join today’s Bersih 4 rally are ‘shallow and poor’ in patriotism. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Afif Abd Halim, August 29, 2015.Datuk Seri Najib Razak has described the organisers and participants of the Bersih 4 rally as "shallow and poor" in their patriotism.

The prime minister said despite having different political ideologies, they should mark National Day by flying the Jalur Gemilang in appreciation of the country's freedom fighters, who freed their motherland from the clutches of colonialism.

"We want to celebrate independence, there are some people who want to show their feelings at the historic place in Merdeka Square.

"Don't they understand, are they that shallow and poor in their patriotism and love for their motherland? Don't they understand the country was built on the blood and sweat of our freedom fighters?

"From the era of Mat Kilau, Tok Janggut and Umno freedom fighters to our soldiers and police, who died as martyrs, because we want to ensure the independence of our country," he said when officiating the Jerantut Umno delegates' meeting 2015 at Jerantut District Council Hall today.

The event was also attended by the Pahang menteri besar, who is also state Umno Liaison Committee chairman and Jerantut Umno division head Ahmad Nazlan Idris.

Najib said the actions of those at the Bersih rally was seen as a deliberate move to to discredit Malaysia's image at the international level.

"Those who wear this yellow attire, who are they, they want to discredit our good name, scribble black coal on Malaysia's face to the outside world, when in reality, this is their country because of Umno’s struggle they are successful," he said.

At the same time, he said under the current circumstances facing the party, Umno leaders and members must adhere to discipline and have a love and compassion for the party to strengthen it.

"If we love and cherish our party very much, then we will not do anything to jeopardise the interests of the party.

"If there are differences in opinion, there are limits, decorum, channels to guide because in the party there is discipline and we need to safeguard this process.

"It is not that Umno does not allow differences of opinion, in fact I am also open-minded, but it must adhere to discipline, only then can the party become a successful organisation," he said.

Najib said any news being read, including on social media, must be checked for authenticity to prevent it from becoming slanderous and destroying the party.

"The paradigm has now been reversed, what is reported in social media is more credible than mainstream media. Don't allow the tricks of perception over reality," he said. – Bernama, August 29, 2015.