By Zainal Epi
Former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad will officiate at Perkasa’s inaugural assembly on March 27, replacing Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sarafuddin Idris Shah.
Perkasa president Ibrahim Ali said Mahathir will be given a warrior’s welcome in line with the spirit of protecting Malay rights as enshrined in the Constitution.
“It will be a grand opening for Perkasa as this is its first assembly,” the Independent Pasir Mas MP said.
Sultan Salahuddin had said in a statement that he withdrew from officiating at the assembly to avoid any misinterpretations.
The sultan said Ibrahim should not be blamed for issuing the invitation card as he had indeed agreed to come but changed his mind later.
Perkasa will also hold its first election of office-bearers as well as chart its future course in championing the rights of the Malays.
Some 10,000 members and observers, coming from all over the country including Sabah and Sarawak, are expected to turn up at Putra World Trade Centre for the event.
Election for office-bearers is expected to be a tame affair as many members had said they would leave it to Ibrahim to pick his choice.
Posts open for election are president, deputy president, five vice-presidents, including one each from Sabah and Sarawak, and 15 central committee members.
Under Perkasa’s constitution, the president is given the right to appoint seven to the central committee, a secretary-general, a treasurer and an information chief.
So far, no nominations were received as the members felt that it was best to endorse the present protem committee for a two-year term.
Perkasa was formed in the wake of Barisan Nasional's dismal performance in the March 2008 general election and following Umno’s decision to champion the cause of Malaysians and not only Malays.
In Perkasa, regarded as a right-wing group, the disgruntled Malays have found a platform to continue their fight for their cause.
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