Hazy about objectives of Sept 16 Peaceful Protest?

While everyone in Malaysia has the right to organize and participate in a peaceful protest, the objectives of the September 16 Peaceful Assembly is far from clear...

Some see it as a protest against the BERSIH 4 - which was essentially about free and fair elections, clean government, etc > so odd that we have people who are opposed to these objectives...

Some say, it is a pro-Najib gathering ; so, will the people going not be concerned about the RM2.6 billion in the PM's personal account, the IMDB, the alleged 'interference on the administration of the law', etc

Some say, it is nothing but an attempt to distract us from allegation of corruption against Najib, 1MDB,.... and growing discontent against our present PM/UMNO President/BN Chair?

If TPPA or some other real issues confronting Malaysia, it would have been better... but then the organiser seems to be a sports organisation - silat?

A good recap of events could be seen in the recent Malaysian Bar resolution -  1,040 at Malaysian Bar EGM adopts resolution on RM2.6 billion, 1MDB and related matters?

From his National Day speech, i had the impression that Najib was against 'peaceful assembly' - but then for the September 16 'protest', Najib has explicitly stated that UMNO members are free to attend? It is good that Najib changed his position - and now respects peaceful protests...

Umno is not endorsing the proposed "red shirt" rally on September 16, said party president Datuk Seri Najib Razak, but added that the party is also not stopping members from taking part in the gathering.

Najib also said that the party is not involved in sponsoring the rally.

"Umno is not involved in sponsoring the rally but we admit there are leaders who represent their respective NGOs who feel they have to be at the rally," he told reporters after chairing the party's supreme council meeting today.

To a question if the party will prevent members from joining the rally, he answered, "No, it's a free country, as long as they observe the law. No one is above the law, including Umno members". - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/najib-says-umno-cannot-stop-members-joining-red-shirt-rally-but-no-endorsem#sthash.q4ceVhOg.dpuf

Najib may also have made a wise decision - after he proclaimed that he had the support of the some 3 million UMNO members. Maybe Najib should have public rally and see how may will 'freely' turn up - Those who are 'ordered' or those who are 'paid' should not count. Then, he will see whether he still has the support of Malaysians...Maybe, better for a PUBLIC REFERENDUM  to be done - that will also tell us how many support Najib, and how many want him to go? 

[It is sad because Malaysians never really directly chose Najib Tun Razak to be the Prime Minister, unlike in US Presidential Elections. In Malaysia, it all depends on who the majority of the Elected Members of Parliament has confidence in to be the Prime Minister - and that too, we really do not know what percentage wanted Najib - was it just 51% or was it more - wrong to presume that all BN MPs chose Najib - best that all this information be made open - so we all know who exactly wanted Najib as PM]

PAS has also taken a stance that they will not be involved - and Usta Idris Ahmad, the VP of PAS wrote an interesting piece that was published in Harakah Daily - sorry, could not copy and paste it here. The article entitled - Apa motif himpunan merah 16 September?(What is the move for the 16th September RED gathering?) - in which he compares previous protest that did have clear objects, but maybe not this...

My position remains that we have to respect the right of peaceful assembly and protest... but really, it would have been better if the objects were clearer...Sept 16 “Himpunan Rakyat Bersatu” or “Himpunan Maruah Melayu” - exercising 'freedom of peaceful assembly'?