PERKASA & Nasser & Narawi

by Sebanaku Sarawak

KUCHING: Not many know that Perkasa, which is despised by many, especially non-Malays, is already recruiting members in the Land of Hornbill.

Their number one leader here is Abang Abdul Nasser Abang Hadari, who is also the president of Sarawak branch of Malaysia Malay Contractors Association (PKMM).

It is quite puzzling to hear that Nasser is condemning Narawi Haron, who is the independent candidate in the Sibu parliamentary by-election, for highlighting the problems plagued the Malays / Bumiputera as a result of being neglected by Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP).

Many would have betted that Nasser would come into the defense of Narawi who is regarded by many as doing a favour to the Bumiputera when he highlighted the problems.

It is possible that Perkasa is trying not to be too 'extreme' here as it is in Semenanjung.

Although the Bumiputera are the majority in the state, the Malays constitute of only about 22% while the Ibans are about 28 %.

So, in a way it is a smart decision to throw away the Malay extremists tag when carrying out its mission here in Sarawak.

But still it is intriguing for Perkasa to condem Narawi as the act itself does not conform with the motive behind the movement.

According to Perkasa's website, the purpose of establishing the association (i.e. Pertubuhan Pribumi Perkasa Malaysia or Malaysian Bumiputera Rights Movement) is to provide a platform for indigenous people to establish their rights regardless of their political beliefs. The association will act as an independent body to deal with the current issues involving indigenous people such as on the social contract, the Malay language as the official language, etc.

Obviously Nasser does not deny the issues raised by Narawi but nevetheless it is interesting to know the motive for not supporting the former soldier.

However, it is interesting to note that former President of Umno Tun Mahathir Mohamad has told Najib to listen to Perkasa as the association has the Malays at its core.