A total of 93 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) today pledged their support for the 25 ‘Eminent Malays’ who penned an open letter to Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak recently.

However, representatives from only 20 NGOs were at a press conference today to announce their support for the 25, with the prominent ones being from Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram), Pertubuhan Ikram Malaysia (Ikram) and Asalkan Bukan Umno (ABU).

Ikram vice-president Zaid Kamaruddin ( left ) said the NGOs regard highly the "bravery" of the 25 eminent Malays, among whom are former judges and top civil servants.

"We praise their bravery in coming forth and openly discussing sensitive issues that are affecting our country," Zaid said.

"We also agree with their letter, which says that the use of the Sedition Act remains as a threat to silence dissent."

Meanwhile, Jihad for Justice president Thasleem Mohamed asked for more NGOs from different ethnicities to join them in their pledge.

He said that this also urges NGOs from the Indian community, which he views as limited, to show solidarity with the 25 ‘Eminent Malays’.

“All NGOs in Malaysia should show support for the cause but the NGOs in the Indian community are limited and do not represent the 93 NGOs here,” Thasleem said.

When asked about the opinion that the NGOs had about Perkasa and Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia (Isma), he replied that the two right-wing NGOs should not get that much coverage from the media.

“They (Perkasa and Isma) should not get so much of coverage from the media. Let them die and let the media that supports them die as well.

“Perkasa and Isma are not an issue and definitely, not an entity,” he added.

Chinese commerce body declares support

Meanwhile, the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM) expressed their support for the eminent 25 as well.

“ACCCIM commends the lead taken by these 25 prominent, patriotic citizens. The views articulated by the 25 prominent and concerned citizens reflect the majority of Malaysians who are patriotic and peace-loving.

“ACCCIM hopes that the 25 prominent personalities will continue to play a greater role to encourage more Malaysians, associations, leaders and individuals to support their views for the good of the nation,” it said in a statement today.

ACCCIM has also submitted five memoranda to the National Unity Consultative Council (NUCC) for a few recommendations, with the earnest hope that these would be incorporated into the National Blueprint for National Unity.

The recommendations are contained in five ACCCIM memoranda submitted to the government, which are:

(1) ACCCIM Memorandum on Policy and Legislation Promoting National Harmony;

(2) ACCCIM Memorandum on Inclusive Development;

(3) ACCCIM Memorandum on Nation Building and Cross Cultural Aspects of Ethnic Relations;

(4) ACCCIM Memorandum on National Integration (between Sabah/Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia); and

(5) ACCCIM Memorandum on Youths and National Unity.

The NUCC was launched by Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak in November 2013 to form a national reconciliation team and comprises 29 members. The council is headed by EPF chairperson Samsudin Osman.

ACCCIM president Lim Kok Cheong is also one of the members of the NUCC.

The group of 25 prominent Malays which included former top civil servants, judges, ambassadors and scholars, in a joint statement on Dec 7 urged moderate Malays to speak up and not let extremist and immoderate voices represent the Malays.

The list included former Malaysian ambassador to the Netherlands Noor Farida Ariffin, former Health Ministry director-general Dr Ismail Merican, and former Bank Negara assistant governor Latifah Merican Chong, among others.