SHAH ALAM – In an effort to bolster Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia’s (Bersatu) commitment to inclusivity, former Bertam assemblyman Khaliq Mehtab Mohd Ishaq is considering a proposal to bring Bersekutu, Bersatu’s non-Malay wing, into the party’s Supreme Council.
Khaliq, a candidate for top leadership in Bersatu's November elections, believes that elevating Bersekutu’s role within the party could signal a deeper dedication to multiracial representation within the predominantly Malay-focused political organisation.
Currently, Bersatu’s structure includes the Bersekutu wing, comprising members from various ethnic backgrounds, including Chinese and Indian Malaysians, to address non-Malay issues and concerns.
Khaliq said that this setup positions Bersatu as a party that was not solely Malay-centric, despite its focus on Malay interests.
"We need Bersekutu to engage with non-Malay voters and make them feel welcome. We want them to see that Bersatu is a party open to everyone," he said in an interview with Sinar Daily recently.
While acknowledging that Bersatu has no immediate plans to shift toward a fully multiracial party structure, Khaliq noted that Bersekutu could play an integral role in future leadership.
"I am in no position to discuss this yet, but I suppose we could bring this issue to give a chance for non-Malays to be in the Supreme lineup in the future once I am in the position," he said.
Khaliq also shed light on the current challenges faced by Bersatu representatives in opposition, particularly the lack of government allocations for state assemblymen and Members of Parliament.
He criticised the government for failing to fulfill campaign promises of equal rights and allocations for opposition constituencies.
"The previous government—when campaigning—they were championing equal rights and allocation, but it didn’t happen.
"This is the challenge that we are facing right now; we need to look into this matter. To the government, if you have promised us something, please keep it; do not oppress us,” he added.
Khaliq is among 80 candidates vying for one of the 20 coveted Supreme Council seats in the election.
The Bersatu polls will take place on Nov 2. Among leaders that have won uncontested includes Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who has retained his Bersatu president post, outgoing secretary-general Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin will fill the position of deputy president, and Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin and Datuk Nolee Ashilin Mohammed Radzi for Srikandi chief and deputy chief, respectively.