‘Make non-Malays Bumiputeras, too’
(NST) SHAH ALAM: Kota Alam Shah state assemblyman M. Manoharan made his maiden appearance at the state assembly yesterday, where he requested Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to grant Bumiputera status to non-Malay citizens to make the 1Malaysia concept a reality.
"If Najib is very serious in the 1Malaysia concept, he should consider according the non-Malays Bumiputera status.
"If he wants the concept to work, this is the best solution.
"For his 100th day (as prime minister), he should make this important decision to ensure that his 1Malaysia slogan is fulfilled.
"1Malaysia should work, if not it would be just another slogan by another prime minister," he said after the launching of the Selangor state assembly's 50th anniversary celebrations here.
Manoharan said the status should at least be granted for those born after Aug 31, 1957.
He brought up the issue as he was surprised to see Speaker Teng Chang Khim wearing the songkok for the first time yesterday.
"DAP's principle is that non-Malays should not wear songkok because we were not given the recognition and status as Bumiputera.
"I am upset to see my fellow comrade wearing songkok.
"If non-Malays are given the Bumiputera status, I would be the first one to wear the songkok and baju Melayu and encourage the non-Malays to wear songkok.
"I am not racist, but I just want the 1Malaysia concept to work."
He said non-Malays should wear the national costume because they are proud of it, not because they are compelled to.
"We can't take pride in the national costume because we are not treated as one.
"We are still treated as a different race, a different group.
"I will raise this issue in the assembly when my turn comes to debate the issue."
Teng, in an immediate response, said it was Manoharan's individual opinion but added that he respected Manoharan's rights.
"It was a great statement asking for equality, but I don't think the action is suitable for the current circumstances as he will be seen as the odd one out.
"Perhaps, he did not understand our position as he had just been released from detention, and needs some time to adjust himself."
Teng said when DAP was in the opposition, they exercised the option of not attending official functions which required songkok as part of the dress code but now that DAP was part of the coalition government, they have no other option.
"Otherwise, the coalition government could never be formed," said Teng.
Manoharan was sworn in at the Kamunting Prison on May 8 last year and had missed the first state assembly meeting .
He was released on May 9.
