4 ‘Save Malaysia’ campaigns, many focuses, one goal
The
many movements calling for reforms have different agenda and focuses,
but they all seek to oust Datuk Seri Najib Razak from power. – The
Malaysian Insider file pic, March 10, 2016.Last Friday's
Citizens' Declaration is just one of four distinct movements calling for
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's ouster, yet anti-Najib forces
see the crowded scene as a boon rather than a cause for confusion.The movements – Pakatan Harapan's "Save Malaysia Consensus", Mazlan Aliman's "Save Malaysia Coalition", Datuk Zaid Ibrahim's "Save Malaysia", and Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's "Citizens' Declaration", exist concurrently because they differ in terms of what they fight for, their leaders say.
They say the only common point is their desire to see Najib step down.
"I think all have good, similar intentions, but the details vary from one movement to another. And that is what preventing them from coming together as one," said Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah, Pakatan Harapan's chief secretary.
Saifuddin
(pic, right) said the Save Malaysia Consensus had four thrusts:
removing Najib, destroying Umno and Barisan Nasional (BN), freeing
former opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and completing reforms
of key institutions such as the judiciary, among others.He said Pakatan Harapan was willing to work with anyone to ensure Najib was toppled, even its nemesis Dr Mahathir or former deputy prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
Mazlan said the existence of separate movements to remove Najib should not be seen as a problem.
"Having
so many movements is a good thing. It will strengthen our struggle,
which is to save Malaysia. Besides, we have to celebrate the differences
of opinions on this matter," said Mazlan (pic, left), who heads
National Felda Settlers' Children's Association (Anak).He said each movement focused on different issues, with the main common point being their opposition towards Najib.
"For Anak, for example, we focus on our efforts to save Felda. Dr Mahathir is more focused on the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) issue and the RM2.6 billion donation," he said.
Tun
Dr Mahathir Mohamad's Citizens' Declaration launched on March 4 is seen
as a rallying point for the different movements calling for the prime
minister's ouster. – The Malaysian Insider file pic, March 10, 2016.Dr Mahathir's Citizens' Declaration
clearly had an impact on the government, and would help in coordinating
future programmes among the different movements, he added.Zaid, the former de facto law minister, echoed Mazlan's opinion that having various anti-Najib movements existing side by side was not a problem.
"We have no problem with the movements, as long as the goal is the same," he said.
Zaid
(pic) said the movements reflected the people's wish for the groups to
unite, and to ensure that future programmes were more effective."One of our goals is to draw up a more organised and effective plan.
"We don't want to stop other groups, we just want to make sure the message and struggle is uniform, which is to make sure Najib steps down," he said. – March 10, 2016.
DESIDERATA: I seek my ER patience as I sometimes take "long" T-br aks so I write wit' a better vision and smarter insights. As we live in patently "interesting" times arising from the infamous 1Malaysia Development Berhad affair that enveloped Negaraku in such depths of emotions the 'hole of last year, and continuing into 2016, Malaysians must brace for continued challenges ahead that test their mind, body and soul, Desi's not excluded.
For those knot so informed, be advised that TMI can be accessed, for now, via: themalaysianoutsider.com. "ENJOY", chow! ~~ YL, Desi
Keep pushing for reforms, Anwar tells Pakatan, civil society groups
Former
opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says the government has
failed to address the country's economic troubles. – The Malaysian
Insider file pic, March 9, 2016.Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim
has called on those in the opposition and civil society movements to
continue pressing for reforms in view of the current widespread
awareness among Malaysians on the need for change.The former opposition leader, who recently declared support for arch-nemesis Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad in the latter's push for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's resignation, said the current system of governance had failed to resolve the country's woes.
"We have reached a point where there is widespread awareness of the need for change.
"The leadership of Najib and the system of governance has failed to resolve the country’s critical economic troubles," he said in a statement tonight.
He said the economic situation in the country as of late had worsened, undeniable proof of the increasing difficulties and challenges faced by the people.
"The price of essential goods is increasing and the implementation of the goods and services tax (GST) is confusing and burdensome."
He added that the Umno-Barisan Nasional government seemed uninterested in taking effective action to reduce the burdens of the people.
"For example, with the reduction of petrol prices, the electricity rates charged by independent power producers owned by cronies were not reduced.
"Their profits have increased by millions of ringgit annually, but the rakyat still pays high rates for electricity.
"Therefore, I urge my friends in PKR, Pakatan Harapan and NGOs to push on with the demand for the reforms for which we have struggled all this while," Anwar said.
Anwar is currently serving a five-year jail term at the Sungai Buloh prison for sodomy.
On March 4, the de-facto PKR leader reportedly said the call for change should involve reforms within key institutions in the country.
He also said the rights of the people should be returned through free and fair elections, as well as independent judiciary and free media.
He said he supported the position of friends in civil society, political parties and individuals including Dr Mahathir, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and others to build up strength and understanding together as recently articulated by the opposition leader. – March 9, 2016.
"Right move by PKR. Wan Azizah, as Opposition Leader, must stay above the anti-Najib signing ceremony today, to maintain Pakatan Harapan’s position as the main driver of change in this country. Don’t forget, the opposition garnered 51% vs BN’s 47% of the popular votes in the last election.
From Mahathir’s ambiguous answers to critical questions, it is clear that his heart is in ousting Najib and not in reforms. Realizing his weak position in Umno, he is now riding on the opposition bandwagon to achieve his objective. Of course, the opposition also benefits from Mahathir’s influence as elder statesman in Umno. Together, they become a stronger force to dethrone Najib, and the latter has to leave, one way or another, given the overwhelming odds against his political survival.
The challenge is: what next?
This is where Pakatan and the civil society have to work very hard to ensure that their reform agenda is not hijacked to become a vehicle for the incumbent power to continue its business-as-usual rule.
For the moment, just keep the present anti-najib grand alliance going to build up greater momentum for Najib’s outster; and along the way, build in mechanism to ensure that effective reforms become the final result."Kim Quek
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