25 Malay NGOs Form Group To 'Unite' Malays. An Exercise in Futility?

A group of 25 Malay non-governmental organisations (NGOs) Thursday set up a Malay unity action body to help unite Malays regardless of political ideology to safeguard their interests and the sanctity of Islam, the panel's protem chairman, Osman A. Bakar, said tonight.

He said it was important to make the Malays realise that unity among them was eroding, as was evident from the outcome of the March 8 general election.

"The disunity is also causing government policies meant to safeguard the interests of Malays, such as the New Economic Policy (NEP), to be questioned," he told Bernama.

It was important to make the Malays realise what would happen to them if this disunity was not addressed immediately, he said.

Osman said all Malay and Muslim leaders regardless of political ideology would be invited to attend a gathering in Kuala Lumpur or Putrajaya soon to discuss how to remain united and cooperate for the interests of the community, religion and country. He said the action body would also set up a network of Malay unity action groups towards fostering Malay unity nationwide as an ongoing process.

Asked what approach the action body would use, Osman said it was not a pressure group but more of a body to coax the people to be aware of the current political developments for the survival of the community in Malaysia.

Osman said the body would also encourage dialogue between the Malays and other communities in the country.

"This is in accordance with the plan of the body to enhance national unity and goodwill among the communities," he said, adding that this would be done through dialogues with the various NGOs and religious groups in the country. (Bernama)

***** I don't know who the other jokers behind this 'Malay unity' Utopia are, but to me it smells like rank opportunism, an attempt to ingratiate themselves into the good books of either or both the opposing factions, obtain some free, favourable publicity and hopefully capitalise on any positive 'returns' that may come their way.

These guys are still stuck in the old-mode unity drivel emphasising religion and the NEP. They are putting their hopes on 'uniting' the Malays by dividing the country. The same old bangsa, agama dan negara cliché which the majority have clearly rejected. Matters have gone beyond that and the legitimate leaders of the Malay community are now confronting issues of national unity and stability, plundering of the economy and widespread corruption practised in the name of maintaining Malay supremacy.

People are fed up with the worn-out and meaningless platitudes used in the past to deceive them and are aware that the time is now for genuine quality change. There won't be many takers for another 'Malay unity' sandiwara.
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