KUCHING, April 25: Six civil society groups have jointly issued a five-point “People’s Agenda” for voters and candidates to consider in the coming 15th General Election (GE15).
The call was made by Aliran Kesedaran Malaysia (Aliran) together with Pacos Trust from Sabah, Pergerakan Tenaga Akademi Malaysia (Gerak), Save Rivers from Sarawak, Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram) and Undi18.
The five points highlighted in the People’s Agenda are upholding the dignity and quality of life of the people; promoting equitable, sustainable development and addressing the climate crisis; celebrating diversity and inclusivity; saving democracy and upholding the rule of law, and fighting corruption and cronyism.
Aliran president Anil Netto said so far, 53 civil society and public interest groups have endorsed the People’s Agenda.
“Moving forward, we are keeping this idea open for endorsement by more non-governmental organisations (NGOs) until the general election.
“Apart from that, by the end of April and before the general election, we will approach the political parties and get them to endorse, sign on or accept the People’s Agenda and see whether they can adopt it into their manifesto,” he said during a virtual press conference via Zoom today.
He also mentioned that the six main groups will co-host a series of public webinars on each of the five points in the People’s Agenda between May and July.
He further said political party representatives would be invited to share their views and political party commitments on each point.
In this way, the public will be able to judge the calibre and commitment of the political parties and hold them to account.
At the press conference, representatives from each of the five other groups then took turns to speak briefly on each of the five points in the People’s Agenda.
Anne Lasimbang, executive director of Pacos Trust, a community-based organisation in Sabah, spoke on why it is crucial to raise the people’s dignity and quality of life.
Peter Kallang, the chairman and founder of Save Rivers, a Sarawakian organisation that empowers rural communities to protect their land and rivers, spoke on why we must promote sustainable development and tackle the climate crisis.
Ngo Sheau Shi, an exco member of the academic freedom movement Gerak, highlighted promoting diversity to create a more inclusive society.
Sevan Doraisamy, the executive director of the human rights group Suaram, touched on why it is so important to uphold democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
Finally, Tharma Pillai, co-founder of Undi18, stressed that the fight against corruption and cronyism must also be prioritised.
Gerak chairperson Prof Zaharom Nain moderated the session. — DayakDaily
