Perkasa vows to keep harassing Guan Eng
Its Penang chief claims it has backing from PAS members and non-Malay groups.
(Free Malaysia Today) – Perkasa today vowed to continue its protests against Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, saying it was doing so in the interest of the people of Penang.
“We want Lim to address the seven demands raised in our memorandum to him last year,” Penang Perkasa chief Mohd Ridzuad Azudin told a press conference today. “Until he meets us to resolve the issues, we will hold protests against him.”
He claimed that the campaign of harassment had the backing of PAS members and many non-Malay groups.
“I have no regrets,” he said in reference to last Thursday’s demonstrations at Lim’s residence and the Komtar complex, during which Perkasa members conducted mock Hindu funeral rites. The protests have provoked criticism of the Malay rights group from various quarters, including Penang Umno and Barisan Nasional.
“I take full responsibility for all Perkasa protests against the Chief Minister,” Ridzuad said.
“Our fight is against racist king Lim Guan Eng, not anyone else. I am not racist. I fight for all Penangites. I can assure that we will not bring any harm to him or his family.”
In its memorandum to Lim last year, Perkasa complained about a lack of affordable housing in Penang and the demolition of petty traders’ premises and asked for a reduction of the period during which motorists are charged for parking in the city. It also expressed dissatisfaction with the State Islamic Religious Affairs Council and the Bayan Bay township plan.
However, last week’s demonstrations were sparked by Lim’s remark about Hindu temples being in danger if Umno were to win the coming state election.
Ridzuad admitted that Perkasa, being a Malay-Muslim group, had made a mistake by conducting Hindu funeral rites for a non-Hindu.
“We did not mean to insult any religion or the Indian community,” he said. “I admit it was a mistake.”
He said Perkasa chose a funeral theme for the demonstrations to drive home the point that “Lim is dead” for not resolving problems affecting ordinary citizens.
