Aliran Media Statement

Parti Keadilan: A New Dawn in Malaysian Politics

Aliran welcomes the birth of the new political party, Parti Keadilan Nasional, as a positive development towards change and renewal.

For the majority of Malaysians who want justice, accountability, transparency, and good governance, Parti Keadilan promises a new dawn of hope. It heralds a new era of genuine multi-ethnic and multi-religious co-operation and unity.

Malaysia is in a state of ferment and expectancy. Malaysians who have been long disillusioned and disaffected with the present system of governance would welcome the emergence of a viable and credible alternative to the monolithic Barisan Nasional.

The Barisan is no longer in tune with the sentiments at the ground level. It has lost touch with the common people. It has become too powerful and arrogant to pay attention to the many ordinary voices expressing dissatisfaction. It does not tolerate dissent. It curbs our freedom and denies us our basic human rights. For these reasons, many Malaysians feel it is time for change.

To live up to these expectations, it is crucial for Parti Keadilan to rise above petty politics and seriously address the larger issues of the day. It should galvanise the opposition into a multi-ethnic coalition that seriously poses an alternative to the Barisan - an alternative that is more caring and compassionate, tolerant of criticism, and oriented towards the rights and needs of the ordinary rakyat.

If Parti Keadilan can forge unity among all opposing forces and attract the non-committed to its cause; if it can inspire the apathetic and motivate the marginalised; if it can rise above the rhetoric to live out the ideals of justice and truth, then it deserves the support of all concerned Malaysians who long for a more just and humane society.


P Ramakrishnan
President
9 April 1999