Malay corporate leaders to skip Perkasa AGM

By Adib Zalkapli - The Malaysian Insider

KUALA LUMPUR, March 26 — A number of Malay heads of government-linked companies (GLCs) and other corporate leaders from the community have declined invitations to attend right wing group Perkasa’s first annual general meeting tomorrow, in another significant rebuff following the Selangor Sultan’s decision not to attend the assembly.

But a senior Perkasa official downplayed the decision of GLC heads to skip the Perkasa AGM, pointing out that their diaries are full.

“Some of the GLC CEOs, their diaries are filled up months in advance, so we understand their difficulties,” Perkasa secretary-general Syed Hassan Syed Ali told The Malaysian Insider.

“But we are confident that they still believe in our struggle. Just because they are successful it does not mean they have abandoned the Malay cause,” he added.

Last week, the Selangor ruler decided not to attend the first AGM of Perkasa in what was a major snub for the right-wing Malay group.

It is understood that Perkasa had sent out invitations to their inaugural assembly beyond the typical right wing crowd.

This was part of efforts to reach out and broaden its appeal.

The heads of GLCs, retired politicians, Islamic clerics and former armed forces officers are among those invited to witness the birth of the organisation that was formed to defend the constitutional position of the Malays and the social contract.

Syed Hassan said what was important for Perkasa was that it was accepted by the Malay masses and the crowd size tomorrow would prove its relevance.

Perkasa expects about 10,000 Malays to turn up for the AGM to be launched by former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who has become a champion of Perkasa’s cause in recent months.

“We are not trying to ride on anyone’s popularity. This is for all Malays. I think to be associated with Perkasa is good for a politician’s record,’’ said Syed Hassan.

Since its inception after Election 2008, Perkasa has attracted many active politicians including Pahang Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakub and Umno supreme council member Dr Puad Zarkashi to attend its events.

Syed Hassan said motions on religion, economy, education and security will be tabled and debated on by delegates.

The assembly is also expected to endorse the position of the members of the Perkasa pro-tem committee.

Perkasa was formed by independent Pasir Mas MP Datuk Ibrahim Ali soon after Election 2008 and has turned into a strong pressure group representing those seeking to defend the constitutional position of the Malays and the social contract.

It has been at the forefront in lobbying the government to retain the affirmative action policy favouring the Malays and in the New Economic Model (NEM) scheduled to be announced at the end of this month.