Media Statement: Affirming Our Loyalty to Keadilan

On 8 March 2008, we were elected by the Malaysian people, who voted for hope and change in place of fear and stagnation. The people wanted a new brand of politics that would defeat the incumbent forces of racism, opportunism and corruption. Representing Parti Keadilan Rakyat, our main objective then, and still is to realise “a society that is just and a nation that is democratic, progressive and united”.

Unfortunately, there are those that thought that the victory meant that this struggle should cease. They stopped serving the people and wanted to reap “the spoils of war”, so to speak. When these did not materialise, they tried to hold the party ransom, making unreasonable demands to feed their own selfish interests.

When they were denied, they made all sorts of threats and have now left the party. They claim to be “independent” when it is clear for all to see that they are dependent on the corruption and archaic modes of the past. Some will spin these incidents as a “split” in Pakatan, but it is merely yet another attempt by the reactionary forces in this country to hold on to power.

Barisan Nasional realises that the time for their old brand of politics is coming to an end. To delay the inevitable, they have adopted a two-prong strategy. On the one hand, they are cynically stealing our message of change. On the other, they have abused the public trust and machinery of state to try to destroy Pakatan Rakyat, The persecution of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the racial attacks on the Penang State Government and the undermining of the authority of Tuan Guru Dato’ Nik Aziz Nik Mat in Kelantan are just the most blatant examples of this.

By choosing to support these malevolent deeds, the former Keadilan leaders have also chosen to stand on the wrong side of history. They have betrayed the hopes of the ordinary Malaysians who voted for change nearly two years ago. Through their actions they have also proven that they are unconcerned, and are indeed foes to this country’s future and its people.

Lest some believe that others may join them, let us, the young leaders of Pakatan Rakyat, elected by the people, give you our solemn oath that we will hold firm whatever the challenges, persecutions and temptations. There will be no turning back for us. We want to change Malaysia; we want to serve its people. We will be worthy of the faith you have put in us. We know that Keadilan’s inclusive and non-racial agenda provides us with the best agenda to move the country forward.

All this while all party members have the space to provide their views on the agenda championed by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim that has been agreed with a collective spirit.

Pakatan Rakyat has created history with the Common Policy Framework that embodies a truly Malaysian consensus for the 21st Century. We will go down to the ground to discuss, deliberate and debate with men and women of all walks of life how to ensure that these principles become a reality. Give us your support, but also your advice and wisdom. We want to learn from you, and with you.

Through this, we hope to generate the critical mass necessary to restore our Constitution, unite our people and realise the dreams of our founding fathers in our Declaration of Independence, that Malaysia “be forever a sovereign democratic and independent State founded upon the principles of liberty and justice and ever seeking the welfare and happiness of its people.”

That was their dream, it is now ours. It is the dream of all Malaysians. We will defend and achieve it with all our lives and honour.

Endorsed by
YB Nurul Izzah Anwar (Lembah Pantai MP, Wilayah Persekutuan)
YB Amran Ghani (Tanah Merah MP, Kelantan)
YB S. Manikumar (Tourism, Community Development and Human Resource and Unit and Indian Community Affairs, and Bukit Selambau State Assemblyman, Kedah) Exco Pelancongan Pembangunan Masyarakat dan Sumber Tenaga Manusia Perpaduan dan Hal Ehwal Masyarakat India dan ADUN Bukit Selambau, Kedah)
YB Amirudin Shari (Batu Caves State Assemblyman, Selangor)
YB Gan Pei Nei (Rawang State Assemblywoman, Selangor)
YB Yunus Jamhari (Kuala Kurau State Assemblyman, Perak)
YB Chang Lih Kang (Teja State Assemblyman, Perak)
YB Chan Ming Kai (Simpang Pulai State Assemblyman, Perak)
YB Sim Tze Tzin (Pantai Jerejak State Assemblyman, Pulau Pinang)
YB Kesavan (Hutan Melintang State Assemblyman, Perak)
YB Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad (Seri Setia State Assemblyman, Selangor)