Ibrahim upset with GLC snub

Datuk Ibrahim Ali today expressed his disappointment with Malay heads of government-linked companies (GLCs) for not attending his Malay rights group, Perkasa’s inaugural congress.

The Pasir Mas MP criticised the GLC heads for being interested in personal interests instead of the interests of the Malay community.

“I am a bit disappointed. If you look at the Chinese chambers of commerce, they organised a seminar when they heard that the government was planning on a New Economic Model. When Datuk Seri Najib Razak came, all Chinese corporate leaders were present but look how weak we are. They are scared that, if they attend, then [their] reputation may be affected. That is a wrong attitude,” the Perkasa president told reporters after the congress here.

The Malaysian Insider reported yesterday that a number of Malay heads of GLCs and other corporate leaders from the community have declined invitations to attend Perkasa’s AGM.

It was understood that Perkasa had sent out invitations for their inaugural assembly beyond the typical right-wing audience as part of efforts to reach out and broaden its appeal.

GLC chiefs, retired politicians, Islamic clerics and former armed forces officers were among those invited to witness the birth of the organisation that was formed to defend the constitutional position of the Malays and the “social contract”.

Ibrahim said that Perkasa will monitor the GLCs and their roles in helping the Malay community.

“We will scrutinise the GLCs. We are not only looking at their performance but also the role they play in helping Malay entrepreneurs.

“The GLCs have helped many of the English papers but do not give any opportunity to the Malay dailies. They only help New Straits Times and The Star. That is why I mentioned Utusan (Malaysia) because the paper has defended Perakasa. Utusan is willing to defend Malay rights when other papers just want to play safe,” he said.

Ibrahim added Malay dailies were important in promoting Malay culture.

“What is wrong with supporting Malay dailies? They can help strengthen the use of Bahasa Melayu. Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has also told me that he will look into why Petronas and Proton do not give any room for Malay dailies,” he said.

The independent lawmaker also told the government not to capitulate to demands from the Chinese community, and instead, asked Umno and PAS — as the major Malay parties — to unite for the sake of the community.

He said it will take the two-year-old movement another two years to unite the Malays but added unity could be achieved faster if the two political foes worked towards bringing together members of the race.


comments


"When Datuk Seri Najib Razak came, all Chinese corporate leaders were present but look how weak we are."

Thick-skinned, isn't he? Already equating himself to the PM, ahem!

This self-proclaimed leader of a certain race has turned around and found no respectable follower behind him, ha ha!