In an attempt to revive multiracial politics, former Umno member Abdul Kadir Sheikh Fadzir today launched the Parti Ikatan Bangsa Malaysia, with the main purpose of forging unity.

Despite being a political party, Ikatan will not contest in the next general election, said the ex-tourism minister, as it is “too soon”.

“Of course there are some parties who say we should but we are not ready. We are here for the long haul,” said Abdul Kadir, who is Ikatan’s pro-tem president.

NONE However, members of Ikatan are free to contest on their own without the party’s emblem, as it is yet to be officially recognised, said Abdul Kadir ( right ).

“We want the rakyat to come back to where we started. To resuscitate stalled efforts of previous Umno leaders,” he told reporters after a two-hour ceremony at the Palace of Golden Horses today.

Abdul Kadir said Ikatan intends to revive the intentions of former leaders Tunku Abdul Rahman, Abdul Razak Hussein and Dr Ismail Abdul Rahman to allow for direct membership into BN’s predecessor, the Alliance.

The Alliance Direct Membership Organisation (ADMO) mooted in 1972 however became defunct soon after following constant infighting, said Abdul Kadir.

He also said that former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s Vision 2020 aimed for a united Malaysia but efforts towards nation-building had taken a back seat as economic growth and industrialisation took over.

Stressing that Ikatan is an “issue-based” entity, their main goal is “not to capture power”, he does not discount the possibility of it emerging in the forefront of national politics before the 14th general election.

“We are looking at about 500,000 to 1 million members in about a year. The next general election (referring to the 14th general polls), we are confident that we will be big enough,” said Abdul Kadir.

Ikatan’s logo, which resembles a handshake, symbolises a “cohesive bond” among all races, religions, and cultures.

Its flag is made up of three colours - white for sincerity, transparency, purity; blue for harmony, peace and stability; and yellow for constitutional monarchy.

Abdul Kadir told some 200 people present that Ikatan’s emphasis will be on the fulfilment of Tunku’s vision  of ‘Bangsa Malaysia’ - one that is united, fair and prosperous.

‘Bomb” tactic of cash handouts

The Kedah-based politician, prior to his exit from Umno in March, openly criticised the party of vote buying, claiming that Umno made a habit of handing out cash in election campaigns.

A tactic known as “bomb”, Abdul Kadir alleged that he witnessed cash handouts ranging from RM200 to RM1,000 distributed during such campaigns.

He then stated that he will focus on the “original fight” of Umno’s founder Onn Jaafar for equality and democracy through Angkatan Amanah Merdeka (Amanah) headed by Umno stalwart Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah.

Abdul Kadir, who has since become a favourite at Pakatan Rakyat ceramahs, in particular PAS, said that the question of joining the opposition’s coalition did not arise at the moment.

“We hold similar views on some issues but not all. Our emphasis is on Bangsa Malaysia. If we join another party we are only ordinary members and we cannot recruit other members,” he said, without elaborating further.

The secretariat had submitted the party’s application forms to the Registrar of Societies (RoS) on June 5, said Abdul Kadir, adding that he hoped they will see the success of their application soon.

Other prominent faces who had left Amanah to join Ikatan as deputy presidents were former Bar Council president Ragunath Kesavan and former deputy education minister Bujang Ulis, along with former banker Ong Hock Siew.

Also spotted among the attendees were Kelana Jaya PKR MP Gwo-Burne Loh and his father Loh Mui Fah.

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