Blame the non-Malays for questioning the rights of Malays, says Isma in its latest salvo

Isma vice-president Abdul Rahman Mat Dali today wrote on the NGO's website that the non-Malays often questioned the special right of Malays. – Photo from www.ismaweb.net.Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia (Isma) today said the status of non-Malays in the country would not be called into question if they did not complain incessantly about the special rights of Malays.

Isma vice-president Abdul Rahman Mat Dali wrote on the NGO's website that non-Malays constantly questioned and disputed the special rights of Malays.

"Therefore, the Malays have every right to dispute and complain about the decision to give rights to the non-Malays. Otherwise, it would be unfair," he wrote, just hours after Malaysians united to back the Thomas Cup squad who lost to Japan in the final yesterday.

"Even Malaysia's first prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman had stressed this before," Abdul Rahman said, adding that the former premier had given too much “face” to the Chinese.

Abdul Rahman quoted the former premier as saying: "The Malays are prepared to give reasonable rights to the non-Malays.”

"The Malays have sacrificed a lot for the non-Malays. There has never been a race of natives who have such a high degree of courteousness as the Malays.

"Therefore, there must be a guarantee of special rights for the Malays in the Federal Constitution."

Abdul Rahman also pointed out that former Chief Justice Tun Mohamed Suffian Mohamed Hashim had made a similar statement to Tunku Abdul Rahman.

"In return for withdrawing the conditions of giving citizenship to non-Malays, the special rights of Malays as Bumiputeras must be written in the Federal Constitution.

"There must also be other allocations which must be agreed upon by the non-Malay leaders," Abdul Rahman quoted Mohamed Suffian as saying.

Abdul Rahman said the special rights of Malays had been enshrined in the Federal Constitution in Article 153.

"Malays are given special reserve in three aspects, civil service, education and economy while Malay reserve land is stated in Articles 89 and 90," Abdul Rahman said.

"However, DAP, a socialist party created by Jews with leaders like Lim Kit Siang, the late Karpal Singh and their children always dispute the special rights of Malays.

"This includes Mara, UiTM, scholarships, rights in the management of Islam among others. They also want equality among all races," Abdul Rahman said.

He said if DAP or anyone else could start questioning the earlier decisions made about Malay special rights, then Isma could also dispute the history books.

"This includes giving rights to non-Malays, including citizenship, use of other languages, vernacular schools and others.

"After all, if DAP can question UiTM, then Isma can question Chinese vernacular schools. If DAP questions public funds given to the Malays, Isma can question the riches of Malay land which had long been taken back to China."

Abdul Rahman said Malays need not feel ashamed to claim and defend their rights as they should be proud of the sacrifices made by their forefathers.

"Malays have been denied their rights by trespassers of various races," Abdul Rahman said.

Earlier this month, Isma president Abdullah Zaik Abdul Rahman was investigated with sedition after he accused the Chinese of being "trespassers".

He also questioned their citizenship and wealth, refusing to apologise despite an outcry against his remarks.

On May 7, both DAP and MCA lodged separate reports against Isma at the Dangi Wangi district police headquarters in Kuala Lumpur.

Abdullah Zaik's remarks sparked outrage among the Chinese community, with politicians on both the divide demanding that action be taken against him, but he insisted there was no harm in his statement as he was just stating "a historical fact".

"Why should I apologise for what I said? It was a historical fact. The Chinese have forgotten their origins, so I must remind them.

"I refuse to apologise; it is they (the Chinese) who should be mindful of our (the Malays') feelings."

The Muslim group sparked further controversy when they attacked DAP through their website, saying that the opposition party could cause another May 13 if left unchecked.