Cuepacs says no to Perkasa

(The Star) – Cuepacs has distanced itself from Perkasa. Its president Omar Osman said he had declined an invitation last month to become the Federal Territory Perkasa deputy chairman after they decided it went against the organisation’s principle.

“I was supposed to be appointed in September but I turned down the offer as it goes against our Constitution.

“We had an internal discussion and we agreed that I should not take up the post.

“We realise that Perkasa’s race-based cause goes against what we stand for, which is to fight for the well-being and unity of all workers, including retirees regardless of race or religion,” he said recently.

The union previously came under fire especially by veteran unionists for endorsing the Malay Consultative Council during its launch in February.

Cuepacs was among 76 non-governmental organisations that joined the council, whose spokesman is Perkasa founder Datuk Ibrahim Ali.

Their presence at the council’s launch drew the ire of many who felt that Cuepacs was betraying its purpose to represent all civil servants, regardless of race or religion.

Omar said they went to the launch as invited observers and claimed that they were not aware that the union should not join the council.