Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin has proposed that an “umbrella body” for groups championing Malay-bumiputera rights be formed.
He said the body can be similar to the United Chinese School Committees Association (Dong Zong).
“To unite all Malay and bumiputera NGOs under one umbrella. For instance, the Chinese community, despite having various groups, has formed Dong Zong. It’s an umbrella body.
“The importance of this is the same in terms of economics, social issues, religion, and education.
“In this way, the causes we want to champion would be more effective under one structured roof, following the Societies Act and having a leadership structure.
“This isn’t something ad-hoc or temporary,” Muhyiddin said during a press conference after delivering his policy speech at Bersatu’s AGM in Shah Alam, Selangor, today.
The Perikatan Nasional chairperson said the body will ensure better structure and impact of efforts initiated by Malay-bumiputera groups.
This came after it was reported that several Malay-based NGOs were considering joining Bersatu to strengthen the party ahead of the next general election.
Sources told Free Malaysia Today that discussions were underway to determine their roles within the party.
Additionally, Bersatu is launching a new initiative, “Gagasan Perdamaian Nasional”, to unite various stakeholders and rebuild Malaysia.
“Bersatu believes that with this united strength, we can rebuild Malaysia to be strong, dignified, and competitive on both the regional and global stages,” he said.
The party plans to hold a roundtable discussion with social activists, religious leaders, and other key figures to develop strategies for achieving these goals.
Non-Malays still not with us
Meanwhile, Muhyiddin also acknowledged that the party still faces challenges in gaining support from the non-Malay community.
“I admit that the non-Malay community remains hesitant to support Bersatu,” he said during his speech at the party’s general assembly.
He noted that recent by-elections and state elections saw Bersatu and PN’s victories largely driven by strong Malay and bumiputera support.
While there was some non-Malay backing, he stressed that it needs to be strengthened further.
“As a party championing a new nationalism for Malaysia, Bersatu cannot rely solely on Malay and bumiputera support to form a government.
“The government led by Bersatu and PN will be a multiracial government,” he stated.
Muhyiddin also sought to reassure non-Malay communities, including the Chinese, Indian, and Sikh populations, that their rights would remain protected.
“To the Chinese, Indian, Sikh, and other communities in Malaysia, I want to assure you - there’s no need to worry. Your rights as enshrined in the Federal Constitution will continue to be upheld.
“Your welfare as Malaysians will remain safeguarded. Look at our track record when we were in government - not a single thread of non-Malay rights was taken away or sidelined,” he added. - Mkini
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