The Islamic Consumers Association (PPIM) is against a federal minister’s call to remove the ‘race’ category in government forms.

Urging the government not to give in, it described this as “extreme” and a way to “undermine” the 30 percent bumiputera quota in economic policies.

“It is as if we have given them a little, and they want more,” said PPIM adviser Ahmad Zaki Ismail in a statement today.

"We will campaign against any such proposal, as it is out to cause chaos.”

Gerakan president Mah Siew Keong, however, supported the proposal as an important move towards social integration and the building of a society with a common Malaysian identity.  

He urged the National Unity Consultative Council (NUCC) to take up the suggestion by Joseph Kurup (left) , Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department.

"It is sad that racial identification is still prevalent in society, especially while dealing with civil service matters. It is hoped that persisting issues such as racism, racial profiling and discrimination can be curtailed through this measure," Mah said.

He noted that Gerakan, as a multi-racial party, does not have the race category in its membership form.

Lauding Kurup’s "visionary suggestion”, he stressed that this is  consistent with Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak’s 1Malaysia concept and should have the support of more government leaders.

Kurup, who is in charge of national unity, reportedly said yesterday that it is time for citizens to see themselves as “Malaysians” rather than as members of ethnic groups.

He said he would leave it to the NUCC to submit the proposal to the government.