Why are Himpunan Rakyat Bersatu organisers accused of stoking racial sentiments?

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Himpunan Rakyat Bersatu Organisers Accused of Stoking Racial Sentiments Due to Allegations of Promoting Violence and Disregarding Islamic Principles of Equality

Nurul Izzah Anwar has accused the organisers of the Himpunan Rakyat Bersatu rally of stoking racial sentiments, asserting that such actions contradict the core tenets of Islam. She highlighted concerns over materials linked to the September 16 rally that allegedly promote violence between racial groups and urged authorities to intervene. This stance is further contextualised by the organisers' own justification for the rally, which they claim was a response to perceived insults against Malay leadership during the preceding Bersih 4 rally.
Allegations of Promoting Inter-Racial Violence

Concerns have been raised regarding specific promotional materials associated with the Himpunan Rakyat Bersatu rally. These materials have been described as appearing to incite violence directed at one racial group by another. Nurul Izzah Anwar specifically pointed to such posters, arguing that the deliberate racialisation of events is a divisive tactic that authorities must actively counter.
Contradiction with Islamic Teachings on Equality

The alleged actions of the Himpunan Rakyat Bersatu organisers are seen as running counter to fundamental Islamic principles. Nurul Izzah Anwar invoked the Prophet Muhammad's last sermon, which clearly states the absence of superiority based on race or ethnicity, with piety and good deeds being the sole measure of distinction. This highlights a perceived hypocrisy in using religious gatherings to promote racial division.
Response to Perceived Insults During Bersih 4

Datuk Jamal Md Yunos, chairman of Gabungan NGO-NGO Malaysia, stated that the Himpunan Rakyat Bersatu rally was organised in reaction to numerous slogans that allegedly insulted Malay leadership during the Bersih 4 rally. Critics had previously characterised the Bersih 4 event as being dominated by the Chinese community, aimed at challenging the political dominance of Malays. Further inflaming tensions, photos circulated on social media allegedly showing Bersih 4 participants disrespecting images of Umno and PAS leaders.
Prioritising Social Harmony Over Political Insults

While acknowledging that crude insults against political leaders are unacceptable, Nurul Izzah Anwar emphasised that the preservation of social harmony among Malaysians should be the paramount concern. She called for stern action from the police against the organisers of the Himpunan Rakyat Bersatu rally for their role in inciting racial sentiments, stressing that such actions could lead to a societal breakdown and a return to a pre-Islamic "dark age" of racial jingoism.

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Why are Himpunan Rakyat Bersatu organisers accused of stoking racial sentiments?

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