Joint Statement

28 July 2010

In response to Parti Cinta Malaysia (PCM) vice-president Huan Cheng Guan's decision to set up a non-bumiputra rights group, called “Perjasa” to fight for the rights of the non-Bumiputras in a non-extreme way, the KL & Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (KLSCAH), together with Lim Lian Geok (LLG) Cultural Development Centre are standing firm on opposing the idea of racism, because only through promoting plurality in thinking that our civil society can be further strengthen.

The political landscape after 2008 General Election has changed in a massive way, especially the mentality of the people which spurns racial politics. However, many of the politicians seem to be unaware and their mind sets are still far behind. “Perkasa”, “Chinese Perkasa” or “Perjasa”, all these are none other than politics which run in the framework of racism and they will never breakthrough the cultural, religious and race barrier among the people.

Although Perjasa claims to be different from Perkasa's ultra colour and will fight for non-Bumiputeras’ rights based on the facts, these are racial imaginations which only see the difference between Bumiputera and non-Bumiputera. What about indigenous people, migrated spouse and migrated workers? The Perjasa never aims at promoting plural values of the society.

Politics based on the principles of democracy and fair competition will never be stigmatised, even though it may arouse natural sense of belongings among the races. The problem is some politicians opt for a simpler and immoral way to gain power, which is to agitate racial sentiments of their supporters.

Hence, it's self-reflection time for the politicians. Stop all kinds of racist speeches and actions and put more effort in promoting the plurality of races based on the principles of justice, tolerance and understanding. This is the only road to success for our nation, and also for all minority groups in the country.

President of KLSCAH

Tan Yew Sin

Chairman of LLG Cultural Development Centre

Dr Toh Kin Woon