Parti Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia (PGRM) views with great concern the recent spate of street demonstrations organised by certain parties with regard to political events unfolding in Perak.

Following a street demonstration outside YB Karpal Singh’s office in Kuala Lumpur on 10 February 2009, another street demonstration was also held today (13 February 2009) outside the house of DAP National Chairman, YB Karpal Singh, by some UMNO leaders. Parti Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia (PGRM) takes strong exceptions to such street demonstrations as they not only disrupt public order, but also interfere with the livelihood of Malaysians, with their safety and public security threatened.

Street demonstrations is definitely not a Malaysian culture or way of life. In the past, the government has taken a strong view towards demonstrations organised by civil society groups and the opposition.

We welcome the enforcement of law and urge all parties to respect the rule of law and the police must act without fear or favour against any parties that try to disrupt this rule of law which aims at preserving the peace and harmony of the country.

In this trying times of world economic recession and during this highly charged political environment, Malaysia cannot afford to have another racial conflict. All parties must take a step back and reflect on what has happened. Demonstrating and making unwarranted remarks will only aggravate the situation unnecessarily. All quarters of society, especially the servants of the people, the politicians, must focus on service, and the welfare of the rakyat must be their utmost paramount consideration.

In order to win back the confidence and support of the majority of the moderate rakyat, politicians must show that they are also moderate and have the well being of all Malaysians at heart.