Don't Give Perkasa Space And Face

from Welcome to Malaysia-Instinct.com

Malay rights group Perkasa should not be given the publicity that it has been enjoying, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon.

He said the group was of no importance and that “we should not give them too much face and space.”

“However, while taking a stand against extremism, we should look at the root cause which are socio-economic and political in nature,” he told reporters after giving his keynote address at the National Unity Forum 2010 yesterday.

He said voices like Perkasa had always existed in every society but they were not well-articulated then.

“When society becomes more open and with the development of technology and the Internet, these voices that were hidden have now become well-known,” he said.

On the 1Malaysia concept, Dr Koh said it was about inclusiveness and not just tolerance.

“In realising the goal of 1Malaysia, we have to ensure we practise inclusiveness in everything we do.

“At the Government level, the implementation of policies must be fair and just and seen to be so,” he said.

Dr Koh said Malaysians must respect the differences of others and celebrate their diversity and uniqueness.

He declined to comment when asked whether he would move a motion against Datuk Dr Teng Hock Nan to remove him as the Penang Gerakan chief.

“This is an internal party matter and I do not intend to make a public statement,” said Dr Koh, who is Gerakan president.