Proposals for racial exclusiveness unacceptable

Proposals for racial exclusiveness unacceptable

Press statement by

Gerakan Deputy President

Dato’ Dr. Cheah Soon Hai

24 November 2014

Gerakan Deputy President, Dato’ Dr. Cheah Soon Hai disagreed with a memorandum drafted and passed by a coalition of 58 Malay NGOs in its National Unity Convention yesterday. Among the proposals in the memorandum were including making Bumiputera as the official “Bangsa Teras” or “core group” in the formulating and implementation of all policies and proposing that only allowing Bumiputeras to be exempted from repaying their National Higher Education Fund (PTPTN) loan schemes.

Cheah condemned the ill-considered memorandum as it holds little regards towards the rights or interests of other members of the society especially the minority groups. He held that the memorandum has wrongly promoted racial exclusiveness and structural discrimination in the country which is against the 1Malaysia concept.

“We must firmly resist any idea of racism, bias or deliberate marginalisation towards minority groups. Equality as one of the fundamental liberties enshrined under the Federal Constitution must be duly respected. I urge concerned parties to study, understand and internalise the Federal Constitution and do not cross the line. The memorandum is constitutionally untenable and socially unacceptable,” said Cheah.

Cheah reminded that the Perkasa-led coalition of NGOs must not misinterpret democracy which accords utmost respect for human rights and equality. He asserted that majority must not be seen as suppressing diverse smaller interests of significant minority. He believed that important decisions or policies of the country are not merely a matter of numerical majorities. It is necessary that public agreement and acceptance from all quarters of the society be taken into consideration in order not to infringe on their rights and interests. He urged all parties to embrace moderation and inclusiveness as preached under 1Malaysia to enhance integration and national unity.