PSM: Left coalition to act as watchdog
As Malaysian voters vacillate between the programmes of Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Rakyat, much has been said, but little has been done, about establishing a genuine ‘third’ force’ in Malaysian politics.
Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) has been treading an unusual path, co-operating with Pakatan, but also finding itself in a number of unpleasant tussles with its component members.
Aiming to bring socialist ideology back into the country’s political discourse, PSM is now mooting the Left Coalition.
Together with partners Parti Rakyat Malaysia (PRM), Solidariti Anak Muda Malaysia (SAMM), and several other groups the party intends to educate the people about greater democracy and equality.
PSM president Dr Mohd Nasir Hashim believes the Left Coalition will act as a ‘watchdog’, exposing issues in both Barisan and Pakatan administrations and cautioning them if they have gone astray.
He admitted the coalition was not yet the third force it hopes to be, as its initial focus was to analyse public mindset and attract more members who could be critical and not political.
“But if ever Malaysians become too disillusioned with both sides of the political divide, then we would want to step in to resolve the problem, and become a political force to be reckoned with,” he told The Star Online recently.
Despite a slow start, the informal coalition recently formed five subcommittees to look into several areas dealing primarily with education on leftist ideology and the role of the left in Malaysian history, trade unionism, social media engagement, drafting left policies, as well as mass movement and action.
Their ideas and findings will be presented when the coalition meets again in July.
(left) PSM president Dr Mohd Nasir Hashim and (right) PSM secretary-general S. Arutchelvan
It has also finished drafting a constitution outlining the collective objectives of the member bodies, with quarterly meetings being held to discuss issues of interest.
However, it is not planning to become a registered coalition just yet, nor one that would contest in elections.
“Right now, the focus is on getting our programmes underway, as we feel that only by conducting regular activities and having a clear direction can we get stronger as a coalition,” said PSM secretary-general S. Arutchelvan.
There is still the prickly issue of PSM’s involvement with Pakatan Rakyat, with a proposed merger prior to last year’s general election being rejected by the latter.
Arutchelvan refused to close the chapter on a possible link-up with the opposition coalition in the future, but was also clear about not wanting to wait around for a decision from its leaders.
“At the moment, PSM is not focusing on this (merging with Pakatan Rakyat). We do not wish to wait around for their decision. We will go ahead with our plans, and if Pakatan feels that we should join them, they must write to us.
“When that time comes, we will discuss it with our Left Coalition partners,” he said.
Meanwhile, PRM, one of the oldest political parties in the country that is now rebuilding itself after most of its members joined the merger with PKR in 2003, is hoping the Left Coalition will help further its long-time agenda of a proportional representation of the voting system.
Its president Datuk Dr Rohana Ariffin sees the coalition as a coming together of organisations with similar interests, though she believes they should still be able to fight for their individual goals.
“The coalition is a collaborative effort to educate the public – especially those who are dissatisfied with the current political landscape but are unsure how to bring about change.
“As a coalition member, PRM still runs its own programmes and works together on other activities,” she said when contacted.
PSM is expected to address some pertinent issues when it convenes for its 16th National Congress in Port Dickson this weekend from June 13-15.
Among the topics to be debated are how the socialist party plans to stack up against the Islamic politics that is taking centrestage in Malaysia – for instance, if it sees itself working with a party like PAS.
It will also discuss the transition of power among the party’s top leadership to ensure a smooth process, as the terms of its current leaders will expire in 2018.
