Building a more progressive Malaysia.
Close to 2,000 people attended a forum titled ‘The Battle Is Not Over After May 9th – Be Empowered to Save Malaysia’ organised by Malaysian Action for Justice and Unity Foundation (Maju) at the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall last night.
Maju was launched on 28 August by activist lawyer Siti Kasim. It aims to unite progressive citizens of all races and religious backgrounds and promote liberal, moderate and progressive values.
The group has an advisory committee made up of some familiar names – Tajuddin Rasdi, Lim Teck Ghee, Patrick Teoh, Joe Samad and Tawfik Ismail.
In her speech, Siti said Malaysians must be more vocal to become progressive and for the voices of minorities to be heard.
“This is for the protection of the rights of the minority communities.
“A progressive move for all, devoid of religious indoctrination,” she said.
Siti said people of all races should be at the forefront of this progressive movement.
“It will be a continuous task in affecting government and legislation on this issue.
“It is just one of the ways reforms can be achieved.
“We want our government to change the social economy and build a more progressive country.
“We also believe in separation of religion from state powers. This is important for a country to function democratically,” she said.
Quoting from Abraham Lincoln’s legendary Gettysburg Address, Siti said any government should be “of the people, by the people and for the people.”
The country’s needs and desires should be voiced by the people who elect the government.
Liberty, she said, does not come from the government but from the people in the country.
Maju will always remain “an apolitical organisation”.
If necessary, Maju might field or endorse independent candidates in the next general election if the political parties are unable to fulfil the people’s aspirations.
The group hopes to be the conscience of the people.
Popular columnist Tajuddin Rasdi also spoke at the event.
He envisioned a progressive and more inclusive Malaysia for all its people.
He emphasised that Malaysia belongs to all Malaysians, and not to political parties or individuals, and that people themselves are in charge of their destiny.
He also asserted that when any minority is attacked, it is an attack on Malaysia.
To achieve its goals, Maju aims to build a strong base of supporters from Malaysians from all walks of life.
For only RM50 a year, any Malaysian can become a Maju supporter.
Visit https://mymaju.org for more information.