Opposition leaders, including Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, have expressed scepticism over Umno’s move to distance itself from Perkasa. “Umno needs to explain. Is this policy or is this political expediency,” Anwar said today.
The PKR adviser and Opposition leader pointed out that it was Umno which built up the Malay rights group to what it is.
“They endorsed, they gave facilities and they gave support to Perkasa,” he said.
Top Umno leaders earlier today spoke up against the Perkasa and its controversial president Datuk Ibrahim Ali.
Among those speaking out against Ibrahim, who has been seen as a thorn in the side of the Najib Administration was Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz and Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin.
Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor reportedly also told his counterparts in Barisan Nasional that Umno would not back Perkasa or its president Ibrahim in the next general election.
Anwar said he did not understand the inconsistencies but doubted the move was a prelude to snap elections.
He also noted that the prime minister himself had remained silent on the issue.
Anwar said Najib has allowed Perkasa to continue inciting racial hatred all this while.
While Umno moved to distance itself, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has declared his support for Perkasa which he described as a crutch for a weak Umno.
The former PM, who is also Perkasa patron, said that members of the Malay rights group are Umno supporters and it would not help the party’s cause to turn them away.
“He is trying to make himself relevant,” said Anwar while dismissing Dr Mahathir’s comments.
PKR Batu MP Chua Tian Chang today also expressed disbelieve at Umno’ move.
“It’s not for real,” said PKR strategy chief.
His view is that Perkasa was allowed to run its course so that Umno could look more appealing to non-Malays.
“This is a game and Perkasa is irrelevant,” he said.
Chua said it would have been better for the BN federal government to concentrate on solving issues without looking at the race card.
Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim described the move by Umno as the “usual drama” which is being repeated.
The Selangor Mentri Besar advised Umno to take a page from Pakatan Rakayat’s (PR) administration of Selangor for the last two and half years.
He said that PR had managed to avoid using the race card and focused on governing the state fairly.
Khalid pointed out that help was extended to those who needed it regardless of race.
The PKR adviser and Opposition leader pointed out that it was Umno which built up the Malay rights group to what it is.
“They endorsed, they gave facilities and they gave support to Perkasa,” he said.
Top Umno leaders earlier today spoke up against the Perkasa and its controversial president Datuk Ibrahim Ali.
Among those speaking out against Ibrahim, who has been seen as a thorn in the side of the Najib Administration was Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz and Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin.
Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor reportedly also told his counterparts in Barisan Nasional that Umno would not back Perkasa or its president Ibrahim in the next general election.
Anwar said he did not understand the inconsistencies but doubted the move was a prelude to snap elections.
He also noted that the prime minister himself had remained silent on the issue.
Anwar said Najib has allowed Perkasa to continue inciting racial hatred all this while.
While Umno moved to distance itself, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has declared his support for Perkasa which he described as a crutch for a weak Umno.
The former PM, who is also Perkasa patron, said that members of the Malay rights group are Umno supporters and it would not help the party’s cause to turn them away.
“He is trying to make himself relevant,” said Anwar while dismissing Dr Mahathir’s comments.
PKR Batu MP Chua Tian Chang today also expressed disbelieve at Umno’ move.
“It’s not for real,” said PKR strategy chief.
His view is that Perkasa was allowed to run its course so that Umno could look more appealing to non-Malays.
“This is a game and Perkasa is irrelevant,” he said.
Chua said it would have been better for the BN federal government to concentrate on solving issues without looking at the race card.
Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim described the move by Umno as the “usual drama” which is being repeated.
The Selangor Mentri Besar advised Umno to take a page from Pakatan Rakayat’s (PR) administration of Selangor for the last two and half years.
He said that PR had managed to avoid using the race card and focused on governing the state fairly.
Khalid pointed out that help was extended to those who needed it regardless of race.
11/09/10
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