Noh Omar: DAP’s subtle push to weaken Malays must be stopped with a PN-BN alliance

 

FORMER minister and former UMNO strongman Datuk Seri Noh Omar has urged the two Malay-led coalitions, PN and BN, to join forces in a bid to stop the “suble” move by DAP to weaken the Malays.

In an interview with Mingguan Malaysia, the former Housing and Local Government Minister said while the DAP isn’t purely racial, as it has Malay, Indian and Chinese members, its constitution pushes for equality and secularism.

“In the past, DAP openly questioned Malay rights under Article 153. Now, they pursue it subtly, like pushing for UEC recognition,” he pointed out.

According to him, DAP also wants local council elections. Recently, they proposed amending the Federal Capital Act 1960 to allow MPs in Federal Territories to appoint two councilors each. Since most MPs there are from PH, they will dominate.

He added that they also suggested electing Kuala Lumpur’s mayor. “If chosen by voters, the mayor would hold political power, unlike the current government-appointed system. DAP dares to push this because Malays are divided,” said Noh.

“I believe such proposals should be stopped to protect Malay sensitivities. As former Housing and Local Government Minister, I say no studies are needed. Just maintain the current system,” Noh added.

On the other hand, he proposes a reunification of PN-BN saying that for this to succeed, political will is needed.

Noh continued that UMNO says it wants to go solo, but based on his experience in Selangor and the West Coast, three-cornered contests (PN vs BN vs PH) will benefit PH.

“In Selangor, if it’s only two-cornered, at least 12 Malay-majority seats could be won. If BN refuses to work with PN and instead joins PH, that’s fine, but three-cornered fights must be avoided, or PH will win, as seen in GE15,” he claimed.

Noh is worried about the upcoming constituency redelineation, possibly in March. If Malay voters are capped at 60% per constituency, and Malays split three ways, they will lose. PH could remain in power. Hence, the people must revive the BN-style coalition to regain dominance.

Meanwhile, he said the problem in coalitions is seat disputes, but this should be put aside and coalitions should start discussing who will be the Prime Minister and his deputy and so on.

Parties should agree on power-sharing thus making seat disputes irrelevant. “Otherwise, greed for seats will lead to defeat.” Noh warned. —Focus Malaysia