Umno offers olive branch to Perkasa

Umno politicians today reached out to appease Perkasa saying that they will meet its chief Datuk Ibrahim Ali to sort out any misunderstanding.

Describing Ibrahim's outburst yesterday as a "grave misunderstanding" on the part of the Malay rights group leader, several Umno politicians told The Malaysian Insider there was no decision to sideline or neglect Perkasa.

Umno deputy youth chief Datuk Razali Ibrahim insisted that the party will sit down and hold a discussion with Ibrahim.

"Ibrahim Ali had also done his part and he is important to Umno," Razali said, referring to the run-up to GE13.

"Umno has been fair to all and it will be fair to Perkasa and Ibrahim. We will sit down with him to clear the air over the issue."

He pointed out that Perkasa was Umno-friendly, so the question of the party rejecting this group does not arise.

Yesterday, Ibrahim went on a tirade against Umno, accusing the largest member of the Barisan Nasional coalition, of taking Perkasa for granted.

Ibrahim claimed the group had provided feedback and advice to the government but none of it had been heeded.

"Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak had time to engage the United Chinese School Committees' Association of Malaysia (Dong Zong), Hindraf and Christian pastors.

"But did any top BN leader ever take the time to engage Perkasa? Or attend any of our functions? Were we given the same preferential treatment?" asked the fiery Perkasa chief.

He then issued a veiled threat to Umno.

"Perkasa records every single hurt and insult. We are not a confrontational organisation, but we will not be a tool for others to misuse and take for granted," Ibrahim said.

Newly-elected Kota Tinggi MP Datuk Noor Ehsanuddin Mohd Harun Narrashid also dismissed the claim that Umno had rejected Perkasa.

"I am not refuting his claims, but as an ordinary Umno MP, I would like him to know that Umno has not neglected Perkasa.

"It is not right for him to 'spit fire'. Their needs can be considered by Umno as long as they do not cause major dissatisfaction among our multi-racial community," Ehsanuddin said.

Umno information chief Datuk Ahmad Maslan, however, did not want to say anything at the moment.

"Let Ibrahim Ali cool down. Then we can discuss his outburst."