National Unity Consultative Council (NUCC) member Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah the briefing on the proposed harmony bills in Menara Manulife, Kuala Lumpur today. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Wan Amirul Asraf Wan Omar, July 12, 2014.National Unity Consultative Council (NUCC) member Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah has rubbished Perkasa’s remarks that he, as a Malay and a Muslim, had been manipulated by the council.
He also hit out at the Malay rights group for saying he was ineffective due to the council's influence.
“I cannot speak on behalf of others, but I happen to be Malay and Muslim. As far as I’m concerned, I’m only doing my job in the best possible manner.
“The problem is I never felt I’m being manipulated. I’ve never felt I’m being less Malay and less Muslim.
“I have never had any worries of being a member of the NUCC,” Saifuddin told a press conference at the Global Movement of Moderates Foundation (GMMF) headquarters in Kuala Lumpur.
Perkasa president Ibrahim Ali today said the Malay-Muslim members of NUCC were being manipulated and were ineffective as they numbered less than those from other parties.
“We’re confident that the Malay-Muslim representatives in NUCC do not have an effective role, in addition to being deaf and manipulated,” Ibrahim said in a statement.
“Their number is smaller than those with certain agendas. The PM should overhaul and reshuffle the NUCC.”
But, Saifuddin said that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak had appointed each member of the NUCC.
“There are 29 others in the NUCC. Our relationship is very cordial and friendly.
“I have never felt if any one of the members of the NUCC tried to put their personal agenda on the table, or tried to push the envelope to the extent another one reacted on a certain manner.
“All meetings very cordial… very open. The interventions are candid and friendly… we have never had issues among members,” said Saifuddin.
He added that the NUCC consults representatives from various communities and guilds, and they were politely conducted.
“Our reports say some sensitive issues were highlighted at the grassroots level, but it was very civil. That’s why I don’t find any incidents where there are people trying to manipulate or push a certain agenda.”
Saifuddin added that as a Muslim in the NUCC, he was guided by verse 125 of Chapter an-Nahl, which stressed wisdom and proper teaching, as well as engaging in discussions.
On dialoguing with Perkasa, he said they welcomed such talks.
“We are open to these kinds of things. We don’t actually invite particular parties for discussion, as we may be accused of being selective. But we encourage people to come forward.”
Perkasa, Isma, Pekida and 53 other Malay right-wing NGOs have rejected NUCC, saying the council offended the Malays.
They set up the National Unity Front in February as an alternative, with the goal of ensuring Malays had “benevolent dominance” over all races in Malaysia.
- TMI
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