Perkasa condemns MCA leader, branding him 'anti-national'

Malay right-wing group Perkasa has taken MCA leader Ti Lian Ker to task after the latter blamed the Federal Constitution for accentuating the inherent racism in the country.

Branding Ti’s remarks as “irresponsible” and “anti-national”, Perkasa president Ibrahim Ali wondered how such a statement could be made by an “educated man” like Ti.

Ibrahim also wants to know what Ti had meant in saying that the Federal Constitution had accentuated racism.

He believes Ti had referred to Article 153 of the constitution, which grants the Yang di-Pertuan Agong responsibility for safeguarding the special position of the bumiputera.

“When he said that the constitution accentuates racism, is it because Islam is the official religion, that Bahasa Malaysia is the national language, the position of the Malay rulers, as well as the special position of the Malays?”

“(Ti’s) statement is very dangerous. It is as though he has blamed putting Islam as the official religion,” added Ibrahim.

The former Pasir Mas lawmaker also hit out at Ti (photo), pointing out how the constitution was an agreement – a social contract that could not be amended by any quarter.

“Even Parliament cannot amend this social contract. We want to remind Ti: don't let the 1987 Ops Lalang incident recur.

“We have to accept the fact how Malaysia used to be the Federation of Malaya; the majority are the bumiputera, which means that it is the majority that calls the shots,” he said.

Ibrahim is also of the opinion that extremism arises because there are those who raise such issues.

“I think these people are the ones who give rise to racism; they are the ones I consider to be racist.”

Better if Ti 'apologises willingly'

Asked whether Perkasa wants Ti to apologise for his statement, Ibrahim said it was up to the MCA central committee member to do so.

“If he apologises willingly, that would be better than us demanding him to do so.

“Perkasa is condemning Ti’s statement; whether he wants to explain his remarks or otherwise, it is up to him.”

Perkasa is also undecided whether a police report will be lodged or otherwise, citing how the police already have too many things on their plate.

“If this issue prolongs, we will decide on the next course of action, including (lodging) a police report. Now, it is enough to just state our views (on the matter),” Ibrahim said.

Ti also said yesterday that the country’s situation was made worse by institutions and administrations that were tainted with racial and religious sentiments.

He said this in response to National Civics Bureau (BTN) chief Ibrahim Saad, who told a forum on Tuesday that racism in Malaysia peaks during the election season, when sensitive issues are exploited. -Mkini