A Penang-based Malay NGO is upset with Deputy Chief Minister I Mansor Othman for not receiving its delegation when they paid a visit to the state government office last Thursday.

NONE The Penang Malay Congress (PMC) said it was disappointed Mansor ( left ) did not find it important to meet with them although he had earlier been informed of their visit to Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng's office.

PMC president Rahmad Isahak said the absence of the PKR state chief from the meeting with Lim, showed his lack of interest in Malay issues affecting the community in Penang.

He said the meeting had been postponed twice, and the Penanti assembyperson would definitely have been able to find time for the Thursday meet, where a 21 member delegation submitted a memorandum to Lim.

In that meeting, only state executive member and Batu Maung assemblyperson Abdul Malik Abul Kassim turned up, but "did not say a word", Rahmad said.

"If Mansor was actually serious about issues affecting the Malay community in Penang, he should at least have found the time to hear our grouses," he told a press conference.

When contacted, Mansor's special assistant, Mohd Fitri Ibrahim said the DCM was unable to meet the group as he had another programme to attend.

The group submitted a five-point memorandum to Lim seeking his intervention in 'hot' issues affecting the community.

Group wants DAP to field Malay candidates

The document insisted, among others, that seats be allocated to a Malay DAP candidate in the 13th general election, which could even be called as early as November.

Other points in the document include urging the state government to form a Penang Consultative Council on Malay Economy and a fund to assist the community to settle the 10 percent downpayment for low-medium cost houses.

A proposal to build affordable homes for Malays with the cooperation of the Penang Islamic Religious Affairs Council was also submitted.

Lim was also asked to intervene in the on-going problems affecting traders at Bazar Perdana in Bandar Perda, Bukit Mertajam.

The delegation, which included two women, also invited Lim to "think about" the fate of the Malays after the 13th general election.

Rahmad said that the NGO, formed several months ago, wanted Lim to consider whether his government, which is dominated by Chinese representatives, could continue governing Penang without a Malay representative.

If Pakatan Rakyat continues in power after the next general election, the government of the day would still beled by DAP, with a little help from PAS and PKR.

"Therefore, where are the Malay assemblypersons from DAP? Due to the political controversy involving hudud, there may be no Malay representatives in the DAP-led government in the future," Rahmad said.

"Perhaps, there would exist a not-so-pleasant scenario should the Malays lose political power in the state," he said, adding that PMC told him that allocating five seats for Malay candidates would be a practical move for DAP in this 'critical situation'.