Malay rights pressure group Perkasa today offered itself as an alternative to Umno on Malay issues, ostensibly because the party is at risk of losing influence in mainstream politics.
In his address at the Perkasa annual general meeting in Kuala Lumpur today, Perkasa president Ibrahim Ali touted Perkasa as the most structured political party in the country with 500,000 members.
"Although Umno is looking after the interest of our religion and Malays, but if Umno is weak and toothless, then Perkasa will be the replacement to defend race and religion.
"Don't just give us rhetoric at the Umno AGM. Don't just give us rhetoric during elections. They people are smart. The people know," said Ibrahim.
Ibrahim said that although Perkasa supported BN during the last general election, it is not guaranteed who the organisation would side with in the future.
"By supporting Umno, we are not becoming an accessory to Umno, let alone being a henchmen of any political leaders. We will rubbish any party, even if it is good, if they have bad candidates.
"(Thus) our support is conditional. We don't want to be apologetic any more," he said.
He also claimed that BN will not be able to win the last election without Perkasa's assistance, particularly in Perak and Kedah.
As for Selangor, Ibrahim said Perkasa was not welcomed by BN and thus the coalition was not able to win.
"We didn't concentrate on Selangor because (BN leaders in) Selangor said they were strong and don't need our involvement.
"Accept the reality - without Perkasa, it is impossible for BN to win the last election," he said.
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