SHAH ALAM: Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has proposed the setting up of an “umbrella body” to unite organisations championing Malay-bumiputra rights.
Stating that the proposed body could be of similar structure to the United Chinese School Committees Association or Dong Zong, he said the initiative aligns with Bersatu’s efforts to strengthen its influence and address concerns within the Malay-bumiputra community.
“The Chinese community, for instance, despite having various groups, has formed Dong Zong. It’s an umbrella body
“I made a suggestion to unite all Malay and bumiputra non-governmental organisations (NGOs) under one umbrella,” he told reporters at Bersatu’s annual general meeting yesterday.
Muhyiddin said having a unified body would provide a stronger and more organised platform for efforts initiated by Malay-bumiputra groups, ensuring their impact is both meaningful and lasting.
He said such a structure would help these organisations address key issues effectively, particularly in areas such as economy, social matters, religion and education, adding that the body must have a formal framework governed by the Societies Act, complete with a leadership structure.
“This is not something ad-hoc or temporary. The causes we want to champion will be more effective under one structured roof,” he added.
The Bersatu president also stressed on the need to balance the position of Islam, the status of Malays and bumiputra, and Bahasa Melayu as the national language with the rights of Malaysia’s multiracial and multireligious citizens.
“We must ensure the sustainability and well-being of all Malaysians while upholding the values and principles enshrined in the Federal Constitution,” he said.
On another matter, Muhyiddin said there is no second draft of the memorandum of understanding between the government and the Opposition, and described talk of a second draft as mere speculation.
“There is no second draft. I am the Perikatan Nasional chairman, and the Opposition leader is here too. If there is such a draft, I have not heard of it,” he said.
Criticising the government for making financial assistance contingent on an MoU, he said such measures undermine sincerity.
“If the intention is sincere, just give it. This money is for the people in their constituencies, not the MPs themselves,” he added.
The issue of the MoU arose after Alor Setar MP Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden said that any second draft must ensure the Opposition’s role as a check-and-balance mechanism is preserved.
On the proposal by a PAS leader to appoint the party’s secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan as Perikatan’s new secretary-general, Muhyiddin described it as merely an opinion rather than a demand.
“Suggestions are welcome, but the supreme council ultimately deliberates and decides on all matters, including key appointments and the prime ministerial candidate,” Muhyiddin said.
Bersatu deputy president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin had announced that Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali is set to become Perikatan’s new secretary-general, a decision expected to be formalised during the coalition’s supreme council meeting on Dec 9.
Muhyiddin gave his assurance that such discussions would not cause division within the coalition.
The proposal to appoint Takiyuddin was made by PAS Youth chief Afnan Hamimi, who argued that Takiyuddin’s experience and seniority were qualities of a strong candidate.
In his policy speech earlier, Muhyiddin called on Bersatu to embrace fresh ideas and spearhead a national reconciliation initiative.
He outlined plans to unite political parties, NGOs and civil society organisations that share universal values and principles.
“This effort will focus on building a strong and respectable nation capable of competing on the global stage,” he said, highlighting the need for Malaysia to address pressing economic challenges while fostering harmony among its diverse racial and religious communities.
