Controversial Malay rights group Pertubuhan Pribumi Perkasa Malaysia (Perkasa) is looking to be a force for Malay rights advocacy across the globe, as it opened its first overseas office in London this Saturday.
“The Malay community in London has asked Perkasa to open a branch there,” Perkasa secretary-general Syed Hasan Syed Ali told The Malaysian Insider.
He said Malays in London were not interested in joining political parties or clubs like the UMNO Club, hence the request for Perkasa to set up operations in the UK.
Perkasa was founded in 2008 after the UMNO-led Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition suffered eroded support in the 12th General Elections. The organisation claims to now have up to 500,000 members, mostly from UMNO.
Perkasa’s ambitions to represent Malay interests throughout the world will have to compete with UMNO’s Overseas Club, which has 72 branches in 18 countries, and a total of 14,000 registered members. According to PKR’s Nurul Izzah Anwar, MP for Lembah Pantai, 75% to 85% of eligible Malaysian voters living abroad voted for the Pakatan Rakyat opposition coalition.
Perkasa president Datuk Ibrahim Ali is expected to launch the London office this Saturday in Southwick St, Paddington. He will depart for the UK on May 29, accompanied by 33 senior Perkasa figures.
Media invitations sent out stated that more than 275 members have already registered to join the Perkasa UK and Europe Club.
Syed Hasan said membership is open to any Malaysian working or studying abroad, provided they are of Malay descent and a practicing Muslim.
He added there were also plans to open Perkasa branches in Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia and Australia.
