The Malaysian Insight

PERKASA president Dr Ibrahim Ali has claimed the “king of racists” title, saying such insults only make the Malay rights group stronger.

“We have been insulted and denied an existence (as a legitimate organisation) as if we are not Malaysians.

“We know we are small, but as citizens, we have rights.

“So, to those who accuse us of being racists, they can go to hell. I don’t care,” he said in his opening speech at the Wilayah Persekutuan Perkasa Malay Congress in Kampung Baru, Kuala Lumpur, today.

He said he was once referred to as the “king of frogs” as he kept jumping parties, but now, “the title has gone to others”, eliciting laughter from the crowd.

Ibrahim said no one deemed groups like Hindraf or Dong Zong as “racist” for championing the rights of the Indian and Chinese communities in the country.

“Hindraf, in pursuing their demands, have taken them abroad, and in the end, the government gave in. They (Hindraf) were not called ‘racist’, but (as for) Perkasa, they say we are racist.”

Comparing Perkasa with such groups, he said it only spoke up for Malay rights that were enshrined in the Federal Constitution.

“Why do you want to touch on the (issue of) scholarships for Malays? It’s our right.

“And, is it wrong for us to talk about our race? Our religion? It’s in the social contract.

“We are only defending the rights as stated in government policies. The same leaders who criticise us do not do the same to non-Bumiputera groups.”

He was referring to those on both sides of the political divide, as well as groups like G25, which have slammed Perkasa for being “loud” in voicing out its concerns relating to Malay rights and Islam.

“Well, go ahead. We are not hurt even a bit. We are not a political party. We have nothing to lose.”

The congress is part of the Perkasa roadshow aimed at discussing issues of Malay interest, and has been conducted in Penang, Selangor, Kelantan and Negri Sembilan. – August 20, 2017.