Malay rights pressure group Perkasa has pleaded to the new Pakatan Harapan government to not appoint a non-Malay as the finance minister.

Its acting president Ruhanie Ahmad said this is because there are many institutions related to the Malays under the ministry.

"Perkasa rejects any attempts to appoint a non-Malay as the finance minister, as under the ministry, there are many institutions, agencies and departments which deal with bumiputera welfare.

"If a non-Malay is appointed, we worry that the ‘Malaysian Malaysia’ agenda will be absorbed into the ministry's policies, thus affecting the socioeconomic status of the bumiputera," he said at a press conference.

Last Sunday, Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad announced that DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng would be the finance minister-designate in the new cabinet.

Also announced were Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin and Amanah president Mohamad Sabu for the home affairs and defence portfolios respectively.

On its political allegiance, Ruhanie said Perkasa would continue to take a neutral stance, while consistently championing bumiputera rights.

"We will be neutral, but will voice out if the interests of Islam, Malays and the bumiputera are jeopardised by the new government's policies.

"Perkasa will support acts and policies by the new government which benefit the race, religion and country."

Earlier, Ruhanie had announced Ibrahim Ali’s resignation as president of the group, who cited his disappointment in Malays not appreciating this struggle.