Perkasa winning support for attacks on demands by minority groups

(The Straits Times) – MALAY nationalist movement Perkasa, founded as a one-man show after the 2008 general election, is fast gaining approval among Malays who feel Umno is no longer fighting for their rights.

It has won approval from former premier Mahathir Mohamad, who launched its Selangor chapter this year, and the Sultan of Selangor, who will officiate at its first national assembly next month.

Independent lawmaker Ibrahim Ali, who set up Perkasa, which means ‘to strengthen’ in Malay, is known for his controversial views and is often described as a Malay chauvinist.

A deputy minister in the Cabinet of Tun Dr Mahathir, Datuk Ibrahim has jumped from one political allegiance to another, earning him the title katak or ‘frog’ from his enemies.

Now, the man called Tok Him by his supporters is making headlines for urging non-Malays to stop demanding more, as this would erode Malay rights.

Last Friday, Mr Ibrahim was among those who led a protest by 300 Malays against the Pakatan Rakyat state government in Penang. They accused the government of being racist when it demolished illegal hawker stalls. Protesters burned an effigy of Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.