Malay NGOs cancel anti-Dong Zong rally

A group of Malay NGOs have called off a planned rally to protest the Dong Zong congress tomorrow.

Angkatan Gerak Minda Malaysia (Agra), Perkasa, and Gabungan Pelajar Melayu Semenanjung (GPMS) made the decision following the court injunction against a conference on Jawi script lessons that Dong Zong was going to organise with sister group, Jiao Zong.

Agra president Mohd Ashraf Mustaqim Badrul Munir (photo), however, said they will be keeping an eye out to ensure Dong Zong keeps its promise to abide by the court injunction.

"If there is anything suspicious, Agra and the group will not hesitate to act," he said in a statement.

He also criticised Dong Zong for only cancelling the event after police secured the court injunction.

According to the court order sighted by Malaysiakini, Kajang magistrate Syahrul Sazly Mohd Sain granted the restriction order in view that there would be a breach of the peace if the meeting was allowed to proceed.

Meanwhile, Ashraf - who is also a Bersatu Youth exco member - said he will be meeting with Education Minister Maszlee Malik to urge the ministry not to pay any more heed to Dong Zong's demands.

He added that Agra is also gathering evidence of treachery by Dong Zong to present to the Registrar of Societies.

Dong Zong's intent to organise a conference tomorrow was in a bid to push for Chinese school boards to be the decision-makers on whether students in vernacular schools should learn Jawi in the Bahasa Malaysia syllabus.

At present, the decision lies with parent-teacher associations and the parents.