Posturing racially-charged statements by Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia (Isma) show that the right wing NGO wants to see the Malays fractured and divided, says DAP’s Zairil Khir Johari.

The Bukit Bendera MP rubbished ISMA’s claims that DAP wants to wipe out the Malay race, calling the allegations “wild, irresponsible, and unfounded”.

“DAP’s political struggle since our inception 48 years ago has not only been an attempt to cultivate a Malaysian identity that places patriotism and love for the nation above all else,” Zairil said.

He emphasised that DAP has always accepted the 1957 Merdeka Constitution which includes the preservation of the Malays’ special position, Malay as the official language and Islam as the religion of the federation.

“Perhaps Aminuddin can tell us which of these goals can be considered to be an attempt to wipe out the Malay people, language and culture,” he said in reference to ISMA deputy president Aminuddin Yahaya who had accused DAP’s Lim Kit Siang of rejecting the Malays since the 1960s. 

Zairil suggested that Aminuddin Yahaya and ISMA should learn more about DAP’s history before jumping to false conclusions about the party. He highlighted the fact that the party constitution and important party documents such as the Shah Alam Declaration affirm DAP’s struggle for a united and peaceful Malaysia for all Malaysians.

“If indeed the DAP is anti-Islamic or anti-Malay, then how can the DAP have survived as a political party in Malaysia for nearly half a century?”

“In fact, the DAP has not only persevered but has today built up one the most diverse portfolio of elected representatives amongst all the political parties in the country, with representatives who are ethnic Chinese, Malays, Indians and East Malaysian natives.”

In a strongly worded statement, the DAP leader said ISMA is turning into “Perkasa 2.0” and is increasingly recognised as a voice for crude and malicious politics.

“If Isma continues to make such wild, irresponsible and unfounded accusations, Malaysians will soon recognise them as nothing more than Perkasa 2.0 and a voice for crude and malicious politics in our country.”

“While Isma intends for Malays to be united in hatred towards others, the DAP has throughout its existence always wanted Malays to stand united with other races for the collective good of the country. Again, we wonder who the extremist bigots are.”  -The Rocket