If General Election is called in 2011, it will be the best time to oust the tyrant. Today, perhaps for the first time in our history, there seems to be a real chance to change the ruling party at the Federal Level. The Pakatan Rakyat (PR), in spite of all its short comings, has proved to be the best force to overthrow the BN. PR has committed itself for a welfare state and has pledged to abolish all draconian anti-democratic laws. PSM welcomes this though we believe that a welfare state cannot be built on the basis of neo-liberal policies and putting the private sector in the drivers’ seat.
Nevertheless, to allow for a process of change, we must be realistic as well as consolidate all the forces to ensure change do indeed take place. In view of this, PSM would be organizing a Round table discussion with PR leaders, other opposition parties and civil society movements on February 16, 2011 to consolidate the rakyats demands, to strengthen the movement for change and to focus our efforts to overthrow the BN.
This coming election is going to be fundamental. It is not merely a question of election seats which seems to be the background of the many splits we see among the ranks of opposition party members. If BN wins yet again, it is going to demolish the morale of the people who had very strongly called for change in 2008. If BN wins, it will open the floodgates for further repression and corruption. We will see GST, privatization of hospitals and education, subsidy cuts and draconian labour laws will rule to haunt the poor. The after-math of a BN victory is going to be disastrous to the people. It is because of this that we really have to put our act together.
BN is not going to go out with hands down. They will use all means to stay in power. They will use and abuse all laws and apparatus at their disposals. Today there is been lots of talks of the third force. The main stream media continue to dictate the bias news of the day. The Federal Government is openly maneuvering in the States controlled by the PR. Money is thrown to dictate consent.
Our only defense is going to be the will of the people. It is therefore very critical that we need to focus our attention in building the movement to oust BN from now on as well as building a multi-racial defense force to defend the gains of 2008 and to move towards capturing power in 2011+.
PSM is committed to work with all progressive forces to oust the BN. It will be our battle cry for the year. Besides that, PSM would also be paying much attention to the issues ecology and climate change. If we want to save the world, we have to change the Capitalist system which governs the world.
2011 may historically be a significant year for our nation. It may decide our future. The real history of the world is not made by kings and gods. It is made by the common people. Let’s strive for it.
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