BMI – The Third Force?
Till today I still do not know who actually drafted the People's Declaration (which component parties of Pakatan Rakyat endorsed before GE12) but Haris' contribution to this document crafted in love must have been immense.
16th September is Malaysia Day and recent history tells us it was Anwar Ibrahim's non-starting East Malaysia Frogs Day. This year, it was marked by the official launch of Saya Anak Malaysia Movement (SABM) after having had its soft launch on 25th August 2007. I attended both occasions and this time around, it was obvious that Haris Ibrahim and his team had put in a lot of effort in the last 13 months but still have their work cut out for them.
From what was briefed to attendees, this was only the proverbial tip of the iceberg and much, much more effort had to be put into spreading the message and getting the buy-in of the rakyat at large, to the concept. This political but non-partisan entity (SABM) has roadshows, dialogue sessions, rallies in the pipeline to engage both the rakyat (community groups, NGOs, etc.) and politicians from both the ruling coalition and opposition alliance.
I have observed Haris and his Bangsa Malaysia Initiative since 2007 and the drive, sincerity and conviction of the man is beyond question (although I think he did question himself once). Till today I still do not know who actually drafted the People's Declaration (which component parties of Pakatan Rakyat endorsed before GE12) but Haris' contribution to this document crafted in love must have been immense.
Tracking back in his blog, The People's Parliament, his consistency is evident and the chronicles of his attempts to move mountains speak mountains of the man himself. He even tried in vain to start RepWatch which was a novel idea for elected reps and constituents to communicate and evaluate. I am glad he found out the hard way that most elected reps have no time for anything else except their own agenda.
Alas, I came away from the SABM official launch feeling apprehensive about whether this well intentioned move will actually bear fruit. Whether this initial motion can actually develop into a bona fide Movement; whether it faces a natural death for lack of buy-in (though not for lack of trying); whether Haris and his core group have it in them to stick in there come hell or high water; or whether the Bangsa Malaysia concept is actually tenable. More so, I was apprehensive because SABM is intended to merely be a Movement – without its own tangible form. Even the promoters of Makkal Sakthi as a movement are seeing it fit to crystallize whatever strides they have made into the "form" of a political party although I think they are committing seppuku by aligning with BN even before they can take off. No, I am not suggesting that SABM become a political party…there are other ways of skinning the cat!
Lest we be mistaken; like the earlier need for change that developed into the GE12 tsunami, this humble sampan wants to make big waves! Unfortunately, for such a venture success or failure can only be measured in absolutes. Partial success is not success and a failure is a failure. Unless the SABM succeeds totally it will not be recognized as a factor that effected real change in our political landscape. It has to succeed as a third force in Malaysian national governance and nothing less! How can SABM achieve this without being a political party?
