Pro Govt Ngos Form Alliance Against Dr M S Big Umbrella Drive

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Backed by government parties, 10 NGOs have united to oppose former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s “big umbrella” to restore Malay political dominance.
ADSThe group banded under the Malaysian Community Welfare Movement (GKUM), with its chairperson Amidi Abdul Manan stating this was in response to the big umbrella, which he said stemmed from narrow racial politics.
Through this new movement, he explained, national unity remains a cornerstone that cannot be sidelined, damaged, or manipulated.
“We hereby mobilise this welfare aspiration called GKUM, calling upon both leaders and society to strive towards creating prosperous governance in terms of character, politics, economics, social issues, technology, and administration,” Amidi (above) said at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur today.
The big umbrella initiative refers to the concept floated by Mahathir, who recently announced a Malay secretariat committee to unite Malays.
The two-time former prime minister said the committee also aims to help Malays regain control of the government and serve as a platform for resolving Malay issues, which the government allegedly failed to address.
Among the NGOs under GKUM are the Malaysian Community Empowerment Organisation (Wadah), Ikram Malaysia, Muslim Youth Movement of Malaysia (Abim), Haluan Malaysia, Islamic Chamber of Commerce Malaysia (DPIM), and the G70 Professor Group Organisation (G70).
‘Malaysia is built on diversity’
Amidi said GKUM’s effort is also supported by PKR, Umno’s religious council, and Amanah.
“We, representing NGOs, wish to express our love and affection for our religion, race, and nation.
“We recognise Malaysia as a country built upon a diversity of backgrounds, whether in religion, race, or culture,” he said.
On June 5, Mahathir announced the formation of a secretariat committee after meeting with several leaders, including from Perikatan Nasional, as part of another bid to “save the Malays” by restoring their political dominance.
Asked if the movement would involve Umno, Mahathir - who after leaving Umno led two splinter parties, Bersatu and Pejuang - said he was open to its members joining the struggle.
ADSIn response, the Umno Veterans’ Club told Mahathir to stop playing the role of a “rogue hantu raya”.
The club’s secretary-general, Mustapha Yaakub, reminded the former premier that Umno members would not be deceived by the formation of the Malay secretariat committee.
“Mahathir was the one who divided the Malays in Umno after leaving the party and forming Bersatu.
“Now he wants to unite the Malays and is inviting Umno members to join him.
“His grudge against Umno leaders has driven him to want to destroy the very party that once made him prime minister for decades,” he added.

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