Perkasa complements Umno, say MPs
By Asrul Hadi Abdullah Sani, The Malaysian Insider
Umno lawmakers said today Perkasa complements the ruling Malay political party and should not be seen as a threat.
A recent survey by independent pollster Merdeka Center showed that right-wing group has gained popularity in the Malay community, with nearly 70 per cent of Malay voters in Peninsular Malaysia agreeing with Perkasa’s demands that the government should not dismantle quotas and economic protection for the Malays.
The survey also suggested that Umno president Datuk Seri Najib Razak would face substantial obstacles in pushing through his reforms.
Kinabatangan MP Datuk Bung Mokhtar Radin believes Perkasa and Umno can work together.
“I think it is the awakening of the community to express themselves. This is because they may feel that there are outside groups that are pressuring the royal institution and Islam. So this is not pressure to other races but to protect the rights of Malays.
“Perkasa is not a party but an NGO. It is not a threat. Umno and Perkasa can work together,” he told reporters in Parliament.
Sri Gading MP Datuk Mohamad Aziz said Perkasa complements Umno.
“Those who support Umno will continue to support Umno but those who support Perkasa because they want to defend their race. Even though Umno defends the community, it does not forego its responsibility to Malaysian society and the interests of other communities.
“Perkasa is specifically for Malay interests, special rights of the Malays, Malay Sultans, Bahasa Melayu and these policies are supported by the community. They will not become a threat to Umno. Malays who support Perkasa will not leave Umno,” he said.
