Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin admits that the non-governmental organisation Pribumi Perkasa Negara (Perkasa), could be a rising force among the Malay community, but denied the party has any agenda with the movement led by Independent MP Ibrahim Ali.

In the first of a three-part exclusive interview, the Rembau MP said that while some party members may support Perkasa, Umno does not ascribe to such right-wing views.

Speaking against the backdrop of a mural of the first Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman, Khairy, who leads a movement of more than 700,000 members, wants Umno and Malays to understand why there is a need to see the community to rise up on their own accord to be high achievers and not rely on assistance.

Admitting that Perkasa's cause was easily identifiable, the Umno Youth chief and father of two said it would continue to engage in dialogues with its members to have them adopt a centrist approach.