“I cannot predict how much longer this (affirmative action) will go on but at the moment, we are trying out… some kind of experiment… by withdrawing some of the protection in education.” “We want to see whether they will be able to withstand the competition or not. Obviously if they prove themselves able to, we […]
Perkasa
Who supports Perkasa?
By Deborah Loh“It is necessary for the government to delay any allocation and approval of projects for the community. They show no appreciation to BN government’s efforts, even though the BN government had to hurt the feelings of the Malay [Malaysian] and the natives.” “All their demands are fulfilled by the government but they do not know […]
Reclaiming 13 May
By Deborah LohAzhar Ibrahim (Wiki commons) MUCH as some of us want to move on, we keep being reminded about 13 May 1969 in fearsome ways. For many, in particular those who feel politically threatened, the date is a bogey to scare others into submission. That’s why we still have the likes of Penang Opposition Leader Datuk […]
The real pribumi of Malaysia
By Deborah LohOrang Asal at a September 2008 gathering in Kuala Lumpur IN an interview with The Nut Graph, Pribumi Perkasa Negara (Perkasa) president Datuk Ibrahim Ali was careful to mention that Perkasa wants affirmative action for all races. He was also careful to mention “native rights” in the same breath as Malay Malaysians. But despite the […]
Keeping Perkasa on track
By Deborah LohIT just has to juggle it all, Perkasa pro-tem president Datuk Ibrahim Ali says of the government and its duties. These include protecting Malay Malaysian privileges, maintaining subsidies while managing depleting oil resources, and providing for other poor communities. In the second of a two-part interview on 9 March 2010 with The Nut Graph in […]
The real deal with Perkasa
By Deborah LohWHY interview Datuk Ibrahim Ali? Because his nationalistic non-governmental organisation (NGO) Pribumi Perkasa Negara (Perkasa) isn’t a force to be dismissed lightly. The independent Member of Parliament (MP) for Pasir Mas started Perkasa in reaction to political rhetoric about equality and meritocracy following the 2008 general election. Today, in Perkasa’s ranks defending “threats” to the […]
Racialising Teoh Beng Hock’s death
By Zedeck SiewTHE Malay-language press continues to react to the death of Selangor government aide Teoh Beng Hock. Or rather, they continue to react to the outrage expressed by certain quarters over the tragedy. The 20 July 2009 edition of Utusan Malaysia ran a simple warning on its front page: Jangan melampau. The news report to which […]