by the Aliran Exco
Aliran Monthly Vol 25 (2005): Issue 9

	There are many, many individuals who over the years have dedicated their time and efforts to Aliran and the Monthly. Aliran Exco

For those of you who can remember (or who were born before then) Aliran as an organisation started life on 12 August 1977, launched by seven Malaysians, representing different ethnic and religious backgrounds and sharing Aliran�s commitment to the principles of justice, freedom, dignity and solidarity.

Over the years, a huge variety of activities and initiatives have reflected this commitment. But none has been as consistent as the production of Aliran Monthly. The Monthly, Aliran�s mainstay, had its origins in 1980. Its contents highlight Aliran�s concerns. A glance through the hundreds of issues that have been produced show the recurring themes of the abuse of power, corruption, the undermining of democratic principles and practice and the search to give meaning to the things we need to cherish for justice, freedom, dignity and unity to prevail.

The magazine also illustrates how Aliran works. Aliran is not a commercial organisation; contributions are made without any remuneration and comment and discussion from Malaysian (and indeed non-Malaysian) groups and individuals are carried freely.

Although several other alternative publications and websites are now available, Aliran is proud that it has been able to sustain this dissemination and exchange of critical ideas and alternatives for 25 uninterrupted years. Our website also reflects and adds to the dissemination of these ideas. Aliran Monthly has survived numerous challenges including the ISA crackdown in 1987, problems with KDN permits, unreliable printers, declining sales and more recently financial viability. Through all these various crises, the office staff, a core group of volunteers and our subscribers have remained steadfast. And let us not forget that in times of crisis, most recently during the heady days of Reformasi, it has been Aliran Monthly that is carried in thousands of hands, a testament to its relevance and the dedication of those who have sustained it throughout the years.

Aliran has also reached out to people through regular talks, forums, workshops, seminars and campaigns that have involved people from all over Malaysia and have covered a huge number of topics and issues of concern to us all. Many of you will have been involved. Remember the fight against the Societies Act? The OSA? The campaigns at election time on the general principles of democracy? The ongoing struggle to repeal the ISA and other repressive laws? And more recently protesting neo-liberal policies, the privatisation of basic services like health and water as well as calling for police reform?

There are many, many individuals who over the years have dedicated their time and efforts to Aliran and the Monthly. On this 25th anniversary, we celebrate their commitment as well as our continued efforts together as Malaysians for the world we all are hoping to achieve. Aliran feels honoured and blessed to have all of you, our readers, sharing this journey with us.

With heartfelt thanks to all of you.

Please support our work by buying a copy of our print publication, Aliran Monthly, from your nearest news-stand. Better still take out a subscription now. If you prefer to read our web-based edition, please support our work and make a donation.

Now tell us what you think in fewer than 250 words. Your comments may be published in the Letters section of our print magazine, Aliran Monthly.