Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Abdul Rahman Dahlan has backed Utusan Malaysia’s urging to blacklist companies that sponsor the Bersih movement.

He said he would direct the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) and the Public-Private Partnership Unit (Ukas) to conduct background checks on companies that seek government contracts through the two agencies.

"I agree with (Awang Selamat's) view that these companies ought to be blacklisted. I will ask the EPU and Ukas to study the background of all companies that seek government contracts through them.

"Companies that clearly support illegal rallies will be blacklisted immediately. I’m sure that there are many other companies that can offer the government equal or better terms and should be given a chance.

"The time for being meek and tolerant is over. I will boycott companies that back movements that threaten the nation's economic security.

"Enough is enough," said the minister in charge of the EPU in a series of tweets this afternoon.

He also echoed Awang Selamat's claim that there are similar practices in states ruled by the federal opposition.

Awang Selamat is believed to be a joint pseudonym of Utusan's senior editors.

In its weekly column published today, the daily said it is wrong to back a group that is trying to depose a democratically elected government.

"Another issue which needs attention is the business dealings or award of contracts to companies and entrepreneurs who sponsor the series of Bersih gatherings.

"This issue has been repeatedly raised to Awang. These pro-Bersih companies should rightfully be blacklisted," it said.

Bersih: Focus on ensuring fair polls first

In immediate response, Bersih chairperson Maria Chin Abdullah urged Rahman to first ensure fair polls.

"Are you for real? Focus on the elephant in the room - fair elections, governance and anti-corruption," she said on Twitter.

Rahman is backed by Umno Youth deputy chief Khairul Azwan Harun, who also urged the authorities to scrutinise Bersih's foreign funding.

"We need also to scrutinise the foreign funders, their origins, their ambitions and why they wish to see Malaysia divided.

"We have known for a while now the foreign influencers within Bersih, now we must act against it," he said in a statement.

He said the Bersih movement is a "short term wave" used by the opposition to topple the prime minister.