Perkasa to hold Deepavali open house

But, their leader Ibrahim Ali says MIC and other political parties are not invited to the gathering.

PETALING JAYA: Perkasa stung by criticism that it is a Malay extremist organisation is now attempting to deflect this by organising a Deepavali open house tomorrow.

They have roped in the Malaysian Interracial NG0s Council (MIRAC). MIRAC is made up of Perkasa, Perinnbam and 1Malaysia Chinese Association (Percisama) and was formed in July this year.

“We are hosting the open house not to counter allegations that we are racist. We are doing it to show that we are a united multiracial coalition,” said Perkasa chief Ibrahim Ali.

The main event organiser is Pertubuhan Kebajikan dan Amal India Baru Malaysia (Perinnbam) and the open house will be held at 12.30 noon at the Sri Gombak Uptown open space in Sri Gombak, Selangor.

They are expecting a crowd of 5,000 people to join the Deepavali celebration.

Ibrahim also told FMT that the largest Indian political party, MIC, and other political parties were not invited.

“We did not invite any politicians from MIC and other parties. I would give a speech on behalf of Perkasa. Perinnbam and Percisama representatives will also do so,” he said.

Perkasa had hosted a Chinese New Year celebration bash last year. Its attempts drew flak from the community when Ibrahim gave away ang pows in white packets instead of red.

White ang pows are considered taboo by the Chinese community. About 300, mostly senior citizens attended the Chinese New Year celebrations in Kelab Sultan Sulaiman.