Kuala Lumpur, 10 September 2008
This morning, Parti Sosialis Malaysia’s National Chairperson Dr. Nasir Hashim officially announced PSM’s registration and proudly held a certificate from the Registrar of Society dated 19 August 2008. The certificate is given to Parti Sosialis Malaysia (New) giving an impression that it is a new party, which is being registered when the whole world knows about the discrimination and unconstitutional attitude of the ruling party in denying PSM a registration for the last ten years.
Also present along with Party leaders were, Mohd. Sabu, the Vice President of PAS, and two of PSM lawyers, Counsel Tommy Thomas and Ragu Kesavan. Besides that around 200 people attended and witnessed the historical press conference. Among them were grassroots community leaders, NGO and political activist and the media.
Dr. Nasir thanked the many people, the lawyers who did the case for free, the founding members and many others who stood the ground with the party in the last ten years. Many friends locally as well as Internationally campaigned for PSM to be registered.
He said that we never let the registration hamper our spirit but now with the registration, we will move on.
PSM Secretary General, S.Arutchelvan listed the party’s achievement and said that PSM is an extension of the great and gallant struggle of the left over the years from the Socialist Front to the Peoples party to the MCP. He said that PSM would continue to be relevant as long as exploitation exist.
Mohd. Sabu who Arul introduced as the socialist in PAS said that he hoped that PSM joins the Pakatan Rakyat but said that if Pakatan merely replaces Barisan Nasional and and adopts pro-capitalist policies and not bring about change, then it is better for PSM to fight PR. Tommy Thomas, PSM’s lead counsel said that the courts have disappointed us but it is peoples verdict on 8 march which allowed BN to make some reforms including giving PSM a registration.
The Internationale was then sung to end the program but yet to begin a new chapter in the socialist struggle in Malaysia.
During the press conference, the media asked the following questions and answers given by Comrade Nasir Hashim and S.Arutchelvan.
On Pakatan Rakyat
PSM said that the party would continue to work with Pakatan Rakyat on a minimum program. PSM endorses the PAKATAN call to end the NEP to a policy which will benefit all irrespective of race, abolish the ISA and supports the many pro people and workers initiative like the Minimum wage act etc. On the other hand, the party would oppose any pro-capitalist, neo-liberal and any racist policies.
If the party is invited to PAKATAN, then we would look at the PAKATAN’s program and decide in the party’s Congress to join or decline.
On PSM’s MPs and State Assemblyman
PSM stood in the 1999 election using the DAP logo and in year 2004 and 2008 election, the party used the PKR logo. The understanding is clear that PSM is using these logos because its own registration is denied. PSM used its own manifesto and propaganda materials during the elections. There is mutual respect among the parties.
PSM would be writing to the Speakers at the Parliament as well as the Selangor State Assembly asking them, that in wake of the party’s registration, our two MPs and ADUN must be referred as members of PSM. Meanwhile we will also ask the speakers not to change their current sitting position, as we are comfortable in opposing Barisan Nasional and its Government.
On Anwar’s September 16
The entire election system is farce. BN has previously used undemocratic means to undermine democracy in Sabah and Kelantan. Today they are seeking justice when similar possible crossover is taking place against them.
PSM has no knowledge nor is it part of this initiative. If the people are against the crossover they will go to the streets. Currently it seems that the people and the civil society is reluctant to come to UMNO and BN’s rescue because the Government themselves are corrupt and not popular. If BN is a popular party, we are sure the masses will come and protest any form of take-over, which is seen as undemocratic. Let us wait and see.
On PSM’s immediate plans
We would be holding a victory celebration on the 17 October and plan to go on a nationwide road show to promote the party. The party also plans two big campaigns. One is on the current fuel, food and economic crisis while the second campaign would focus on the local council elections. Until local election was banned 40 years ago, the left and Socialist were the main parties winning elections at the council level.
Would Dr. Kumar support PAKATAN in Parliament
As a block, we stand with the opposition in opposing the BN. But if there are policies or laws, which goes against the interest of workers at large and goes against socialist principles, we will oppose it. PSM’s MP and State Assemblyman would not follow any Pakatan decision blindly.
How about PAKATAN policies, which goes against PSM interest?
We would work and look for common grounds to advance the struggle. Meanwhile we will not abandon basic socialistic principles, which the party holds.
On PSM current membership
Technically we cannot have members. Currently we have party office in seven states, we have state representatives in all states except Sarawak and Terengganu. Our support base on people committees is around 10,000.
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International Bureau
Socialist Party of Malaysia / Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM)
Address:
No.22A, Lorong Vivekananda, 50470 Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA.
Tel: +60-3-22747791, (mobile) +60-19-5669518
Fax: +60-3-87374772
email: (headquarters) psmhq tm.net.my
(international bureau) int.psm gmail.com
visit our website at:
http://parti-sosialis.org/