Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s comments that Perkasa would not have existed had it not been for the rise in extremist views among the non-Malays can be best described by the Chinese proverb 自欺欺人 (deceiving one self and deceiving others).
It is clear that Mahathir’s comments are also his indirect attempt to try to justify his association and support for the extremist organisation.
I am not surprised that Mahathir did not and could not cite any concrete proofs or examples when he said about the rise in extremist views non Malays because what he claimed was just baseless.
Mahathir was in fact repeating the falsehood that Perkasa has said before about why it existed.
In January last year, Perkasa Secretary General Syed Hassan Syed Ali was reported to say that had the DAP not touched on the rights of Malays and Bumiputera and had DAP not supported groups that advocated liberalism… Perkasa would not have existed.”
DAP is not a secret group and our struggle is on record for all to see. DAP has not attacked the rights of Malays and Bumipetras as alleged. We will always support the struggle for democracy, human rights, freedom and justice.
Mahathir should be more frank and reveal the true reason why Perkasa has now existed.
In November 2013, it was reported that former Election Commission chairman Tan Sri Abdul Rashid Abdul Rahman had joined Perkasa, saying his experience can help the majority race to keep power.
Everyone knows that Rashid was talking about keeping Umno power. Mahathir said that Perkasa never existed during his time. This is a fact but the reason is not as what Mahathir tried to imply – that there is now rising extreme views among the non Malays.
The people’s yearn for political change has brought about a new political landscape which makes a change of federal government a real possibility.
The fear of Umno losing power is therefore why Perkasa has existed. Umno‘s failure to denounce Perkasa’s extremist views and the government‘s funding of Perkasa‘s activities show that Umno strongly supports Perkasa’s existence.
But time will tell that Perkasa’s extremist views and stand as well as its baseless and aggressive attacks on opposition and NGOs will hurt Umno even more.
Malaysians will agree with former Law Minister Dato Zaid Ibrahim who has in 2013 said that Perkasa’s very existence is an embarrassment to the country, especially to the Malays.
Dato Zaid has also correctly said: “The issues this group champions are just plain ridiculous, and there is nothing in Perkasa’s struggle that merits serious consideration. It has continued to cause consternation and fear among both Malaysians.”