PRM President Dr Rohana Ariffin at ABU’s first official ceramah

“Rakyat Can Feel Umno’s Fear”

by Haider Yutim

GOMBAK, 15 DECEMBER, 2011: Umno's “momentum of fear” is being felt by every rakyat in Malaysia, said Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) Secretary-General S Arutchelvan.   Speaking to more than 1,000-strong ABU supporters at the 'Rapat Rakyat: Asalkan Bukan Umno (ABU)' ceramah, Arutchelvan (left) said that Malaysia have finally awakened to reach to a new level of the political awareness. He said now that the rakyat are able to see through Umno-Barisan Nasional the people are breaking their silence to reject the party.   Haris Ibrahim. "We are in the environment which is demanding for change... the rakyat are now mature and ready to fight against Umno and Barisan Nasional (BN)," said Arul. In his fiery speech, Arul told about the time of pre-independence where most political parties were banned and its members imprisoned. He said the only political party that remained at that time was Umno, and that the British had intentionally allowed the party to remain so their power over the country would be passed on to their preferred political party. Badrul Hisham Shaharin aka Chegubard.He said the Internal Security Act (ISA) was also widely used to safeguard the security of Umno leaders. "The ISA Act is used to safeguard the leaders of Umno... Umno continued to live because of the ISA," said Arul. In his full-spirited speech, Arul told the crowd that instead of the world coming to an end in year 2012, it would be Umno’s reign which will be ending next year. "If they want to use the police or the ISA... we want to say, we are not afraid of anyone anymore!" added Arul to loud cheers from with supporters who had packed hall in Taman Melewar, Gombak. Mahfuz Omar.ABU’s first official ceramah chaired by Solidarity Anak Muda Malaysia (SAMM) Pesident Badrul Hisham Shaharin (also known as Chegubard) was also attended by Malaysian Civil Liberties Movement (MCLM) President Haris Ibrahim, Benny Loh of Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP), Parti Rakyat Malaysia (PRM) President Dr Rohana Ariffin and PAS Vice President Datuk Mahfuz Omar. - mD

PRM is part of 'ABU' Movement

"ABU" Movement Announces Nationwide Blitz to Call on M'sians to Reject Umno

by Dajmarizal Zolkipli

KUALA LUMPUR, 9 DECEMBER, 2011: A movement which calls itself ABU or Asalkan Bukan Umno (Anyone But Umno) announced its bold statement calling Malaysians to rise up to voice out their displeasure towards Umno and reject the party in the runup to the 13th General Election. In a statement made by one of the movement’s main representatives Badrul Hisham, better known as Chegubard, during its first media conference, he urged Malaysians, especially those who have been marginalized to break out from their silence. “We are calling out to all workers, farmers, fishermen, associations, organizations, government bodies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), Barisan Nasional (BN) component parties – excluding Umno, opposition parties or Independent parties, professionals, academicians and intellectuals, artists and all those who are marginalized including Mat Rempits, the homeless, unemployed and others to establish clearly (through media statements or demonstrations) our loss of confidence towards Umno which has lost its purpose, corrupt, conceited, oppressive, ruthless and more lately ignorant and arrogant,” he said to those who attended the media conference held at the KL Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall here, today. “Now is not the time to remain silent anymore and disregard, unless you are willing to bequeath Malaysia which has been impoverished to our future generations. Do we still fail to see or intentionally allow the little that’s left of our democratic rights which have mostly been denied while our demands continue to be ignored?” he added. Badrul, who is also the chairman of Solidariti Anak Muda Malaysia (SAMM) and a PKR member also announced that ABU will be launching a nationwide campaign to call on to Malaysians voice out their “disgust and repulsion towards the misappropriations and corruption being practiced by Umno”. Alongside Badrul were Malaysian Civil Liberties Movement (MCLM) President Haris Ibrahim (right) and representatives from Parti Rakyat Malaysia (PRM), Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) and various non-governmental organizations. Earlier, the same announcement was made by PRM President Dr Rohana Ariffin in a media conference held in Penang and it is believed that the ABU message had been spread throughout each state in the Peninsula today whereas, in Sabah and Sarawak, the message will be announced tomorrow. PSM central community member, V Selvam said: “PSM supports the statement and objective of ABU”, said Selvam. “Umno have shown its bad treatment towards rakyat demands over this years, this is the time rakyat rise and demand for changes,” he added He further claimed that PSM had recently suffered ill treatment by the Umno/BN government which had collaborated with authorities and “racial mobs” during the detention of the EO6 where 28 of PSM members were detained under the Emergency Ordinance for allegedly waging war against the King. “PSM members in a bus were surrounded by 200 Malay mobs and when they tried to escape into the police station to seek for help, the police restrained from doing their job to protect us,” said Selvan. “This shows how the police and authorities are controlled by Umno/BN government,” Selvan added. Meanwhile, Haris Ibrahim of MCLM said that ABU was set to reach to the rakyat with information that will show how Umno have been manipulating the country for the past six decades. “Even before the Independence, Umno has been largely responsible in manipulating towards the rakyat, “It is now that ABU will expose all (of Umno’s wrongdoings) and spread it to the rakyat to prove that the sentiments that Umno helps and protects Malaysians are wrong,” said Haris. Another member of the movement, Zukarnain Abdullah (left) of PRM, said the party accepts the statements read by Badrul. He also urged Malaysians to use the ABU movement in rejecting Umno and its “manipulation” once and for all. “I call for Malaysians to use this chance and execute Umno. Let’s stop them from ruling this country for they have ruled this country badly, he said. Meanwhile, Badrul, when asked about ABU, said that it is a non-structured movement and people from all segments of life are invited to join the movement. “We (ABU) are not linked to any political party. We are independent and this is a movement, not an organization. This is the rakyat’s movement,” he said. Earlier, Badrul announced that ABU will be holding a big forum at Taman Melewar, Gombak on December 15, 2011 at 8pm which will be attended by the rakyat from all over Malaysia. He added that the movement will also be making another big announcement which will change the “unhealthy political situation” in the country. - mD

PRM Has Not Confirmed on Creating Third Force with NGOs, Says President

by Haider Yutim

PETALING JAYA, 8 DECEMBER, 2011: Parti Rakyat Malaysia (PRM) President Dr Rohana Ariffin today said that the party has not confirmed any move to join forces with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to offer itself  as the 'third force' for the next general election. Referring to a statement made by PRM's vice-president Koh Swe Yong in the Sun Daily yesterday, Dr Rohana said it was a statement made in his own capacity, and not a statement by PRM's central administration.   "Not a statement made by the party... it's a statement made by Koh's own capacity. "The authenticity of PRM comes from statements made by the party's three leaders – president, deputy president and the secretary-general," she said when contacted by Malaysian Digest today. She said, as far as the party is concerned, the decision to work with other groups is still in the process of discussion. She added that the same goes for the decision on the three parliamentary seats in Balik Pulau, Selayang and Petaling Jaya Selatan as to whether it is just a suggestion or an open negotiation because the party wishes to avoid three-cornered fights. "We are still in the process of negotiation and have not confirmed anything yet... We are still working it out," she said when asked to comment on the possibility of the party working together with NGOs and contesting in the three parliamentary seats. Nevertheless, Dr Rohana said other parties should not misconstrue the party's suggestion to contest in the general election. However, she said for now PRM is planning to reestablish the party again by reactivating the branches in few states of the country. "But for now our main focus is to rebuild the party by activating its branches in various states including Kedah, Penang, Pahang and Johor," she said. Yesterday, the Sun Daily reported a statement from Koh that PRM is planning to join forces with more than 10 NGOs to offer themselves as the third force in the next general election. However, according to a report in China Press on Dec 5, the third force’s (parties not under Barisan Nasional or Pakatan Rakyat) candidates will be contesting under the PRM banner, and the party has identified three parliamentary seats in the Klang Valley to contest in. - mD

Left-wing parties hoping to soar(Star, 17/11/2011)

 Thursday November 17, 2011(Star)

Left-wing parties hoping to soar

Analysis
By Baradan Kuppusamy

Left-wing parties are making a comeback in a political environment dominated by both race-based and multi-racial parties all pushing the same democratic centralism political ideology.

PARTI Rakyat Malaysia, a small but tradition-rich party, is causing some consternation among top PKR leaders with its announcement this week that it will contest in three parliamentary constituencies held by PKR.

Its newly elected president Dr Rohana Ariffin said that the party, founded in 1955 by Ahmad Boestaman upon his release from ISA, would contest in the Balik Pulau, Selayang and Petaling Jaya Selatan constituencies in the forthcoming general election.

In an interview, she said PRM was against three-cornered fights but hoped to hold discussions with Pakatan Rakyat leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and find an amicable solution.

“We are keen to contest in the three seats,” she told The Star, adding that Balik Pulau in Penang was a traditional PRM seat while Selayang was also a former seat with hardcore members and Petaling Jaya was where the party's headquarters was located.

“We have many supporters in the three constituencies,” she said. “We are only asking for three seats out of 222 in the country.”

Dr Rohana said if an Opposition government were to be elected in the next general election, their participation would be crucial because they would offer alternative views from within.

“Diversity should be promoted and encouraged and many contrasting views make up a good government unlike with Barisan Nasional where Umno's views dominate,” said the academician.

All well and good but PKR is in no mood to concede three of the best constituencies now held by party veterans just because PRM is asking for it, tradition-rich party or not.

The Selayang constituency is held by PKR treasurer William Leong, who did well in 2008 defeating his opponents in a three-cornered fight, including a PRM candidate Koh Su Yong, who polled about 2% of the votes.

Koh had stood in 2004 under a PKR banner and polled over 17,000 votes, losing nevertheless. His 2008 performance was lacklustre under PRM, a measure of what the right party can do for a candidate.

Although PRM has traditionally contested in Balik Pulau and never won, it believes it has a better chance now.

Currently, it is held by PKR newcomer Yusmadi Yusuf, who is very active in Balik Pulau as well as in Penang and in Parliament.

Petaling Jaya Selatan, on the other hand is held by Hee Loy Sian, who keeps a low profile.

PRM is hallowed in the left-wing history of the country, having been founded by Ahmad Boestaman and brought together all the Malay left in various organisations like KMM, API and other small groups.

The party was a member of the Socialist Front and contested in various municipal councils and in general election in the 1960s but the winning results were mixed.

It had to watch out for the Special Branch on one hand and convince the people to win elections on the other, making for difficult choices.

PRM survived the 1970s under Kassim Ahmad and after him, Datuk Kampu Radjoo, and finally came under the control of Dr Syed Husin Ali in the 1980s.

In 2003, he dissolved PRM and led its members into PKR but a small faction opposed the move and carried on under the PRM banner, which had a cow's head as the party symbol.

The breakaway faction was recognised by the Registrar of Societies and in the election for PRM office bearers held in Petaling Jaya last week, Dr Rohana, the acting president since 2010, was elected PRM president.

Another small, left-wing party, the Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM), is also having trouble with Pakatan Rakyat, especially DAP, over seat allocation.

In 2008, it contested under the PKR banner in three seats and won one with its president Dr Nasir Hashim in Kota Damansara and Dr D. Jeyakumar in Sungei Siput Parliamentary seat but secretary-general S. Arutchelvam lost in the Semenyih state seat in Selangor.

The tussle with the DAP in 2008 was for the Jalong seat in Perak which the PSM wanted to contest because of years of grassroots work there.

In the end, they contested as an independent after negotiation with the DAP broke down. In the three-cornered fight that followed, PSM lost to DAP's Hew Yit Fong who, a year later, defected to Barisan Nasional together with two PKR assemblymen, giving away the state.

In retrospect, left-wing parties are making a comeback in a political environment dominated by both race-based and multi-racial parties all pushing the same democratic centralism political ideology.

They have no socialist trappings to speak off and only want to run a better government with the same foreign investment and development strategies.

The left parties are making a comeback in a big way overseas but without the violent themes of the past.

Their ideologies and policies would provide a fresh alternative to the dominant political parties on both sides of the divide here.

Both Barisan Nasional, that is trying to win hearts and minds with its many 1Malaysia reforms, and Pakatan Rakyat - with its “me-rakyatkan” economy initiatives in Selangor - could well use another party with a socialist bend to speak for and champion the people.

The left-wing parties have important things to contribute to the debate on national issues like privatisation of healthcare, food security and even on the government service tax.

Their re-emergence on the political scene should be welcomed and encouraged as these left parties have dedicated leadership who will go the extra mile for the people.- Star, 17/11/2011, Left-wing parties hoping to soar

PRM Welcomes Offer from Anwar, Yusmadi to Work Together with PKR

PRM Welcomes Offer from Anwar, Yusmadi to Work Together with PKR

by Haider Yutim

PETALING JAYA, 16 NOVEMBER, 2011: Parti Rakyat Malaysia (PRM) Dr Rohana Ariffin today welcomed the warm gesture made by both Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) leaders Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Balik Pulau member of parliament Yusmadi Yusoff in willing to work togther with PRM.   "PRM has been in the Opposition for a long time and will continue be in the Opposition. "And we do want to work together with Pakatan Rakyat and PKR, although not join them.. nevertheless will work closely with them," said Rohana when contacted by Malaysian Digest. Rohana described Yusmadi's statement as a good response from the Opposition, pointing that PRM will continue to work with the Opposition until the next general election. She also took the opportinity to thank PKR especially Yusmadi for opening the door for PRM, as the party has always wanted to work with the Opposiion. Yesterday, Yusmadi welcomed PRM' intention to contest its candidates in Balik Pulau for the next General Election (GE). However, he said for the benefit of the voters in Balik Pulau constituency, he invited PRM to work with PKR in facing Barisan Nasional (BN). He said, as the PRM has the same agenda with PKR which is to defeat the BN, he suggested for Dr Rohana to discuss over this issue in order to benefit Balik Pulau voters.   - mD - Malaysian Digest, 16/11/2011, PRM Welcomes Offer from Anwar, Yusmadi to Work Together with PKR

"PRM Among First Political Parties to Reject ISA, Emergency Ordinance"

"PRM Among First Political Parties to Reject ISA, Emergency Ordinance"

by Haider Yutim

PETALING JAYA, 11, NOVEMBER 2011: To say that Parti Rakyat Malaysia's (PRM) members consist of socialists who do not believe in God is totally untrue, said its president Dr Rohana Ariffin.   PRM celebrated its 56th anniversary since its formation in 11 November 1954, being one of the oldest political party in Malaysia, which had contributed to the nation's political growth including becoming the first political party to reject the ISA and Emergency Ordinance. "Many leaders and members of PRM were detained for years in Kamunting, Taiping under the ISA (Internal Security Act)," said Rohana in a speech at the party's headquarters today. Rohana said the rulers have been endlessly oppressing and breaking the spirit of PRM by portraying that PRM is joined by people who do not believe in God,". "This is an image that they had damaged which is difficult to get rid of until today despite PSM (Parti Sosialis Malaysia) have been gaining lots of support... but I feel that the word 'socialist' has lost its stigma," said Rohana. She refuted the accusations, saying that PRM's struggle has always been in tune with the demands of every religion that exists in the world which is to fight for justice and freedom for all. Rohana said the purpose and ambition of PRM since it formation has always been to defend the rights, interests and the  sovereignty of the people regardless of race, religion or class under a peaceful, united, prosperous and democratic government. She added that even though the political environment has changed throughout the times, PRM would still remain with its multiracial way and fight for justice for every oppressed rakyat. Besides that, Rohana said the party now would focus more on the youths by providing motivation, drive and training towards these group. "Our aim is to give education to our young supporters and also the young members, and lots of our programs involve training," she said. Rohana also announced the party's website which is www.partirakyat.com in which she hopes to reach out more to the people through the website as well as the party's Facebook page which was created two to three months ago. The celebration was closed by a cake cutting ceremony by Rohana herself and poem recital by an 18-year-old youth named Seth entitled, 'Parti Rakyat Malaysia'. Meanwhile, Rohana when met by Malaysian Digest said since after the court case the party had elected new leadership in order to mobilize. She said in order to mobilize, it takes a  lot of challenge for example to get people to accept the party as there are some political who refuse to admit that PRM exists, and some NGOs don't invite them. "But within a year many have invited us like MCLM, Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia, Bersih. "So we find that now our name is being known more in Malaysia and also we realized that if the central committee (JKP) works hard enough, we will be known once more as a party who really wants to fight for the common people," said Rohana. Jayanath Appudurai from Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia said although it will take some time due to the re-grouping, but he feels that the party has the support of the rakyat and said that a non-ethnic party is the way to go for Malaysia as we are too overshadowed by all ethnicity and religion that people are being held back. "Basically it is good but there's still a lot of hard work that needs to be done to recapture the old flames and passion," said Jayanath when asked about the future of PRM. He also suggested that PRM documents its struggles since 1955 in a proper publication because a lot of people have forgotten about it and history books have failed to capture it, and this is the way how the ordinary would know the great people like Boestamam who struggled for a better Malaysia.   - mD - Malaysian Digest, 11/11/2011, "PRM Among First Political Parties to Reject ISA, Emergency Ordinance"

On PRM's intention to contest, Anwar said they will discuss the matter with PRM

Anwar Wants Constitution Amended Fast to Allow Use of Indelible Ink

by Haider Yutim

KUALA LUMPUR, 15 NOVEMBER, 2011: The Pakatan Rakyat leadership council today agreed to support the amendment of the Federal Constitution for the usage of indelible during the next General Election. Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said in 2008, the Attorney-General (AG) Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail claimed that in order to use indelible ink in the voting system an amendment must be made on the Federal Constitution. He said generally all other law practitioners do not agree with Abdul Gani's view. Nevertheless, he said Abdul Gani’s claim was intended as a trick by the AG to delay this process. Meanwhile, the Pakatan leadership council said they are ready to accept Abdul Gani’s claim as long as the necessary amendment is done immediately. "We suggest that the Attorney-General prepare an immediate draft to amend the said provisions... on condition that it would be tabled in Parliament immediately during this session so that it would not be a trick or excuse to delay or foil the plans of using indelible ink. "The Pakatan council through the leaderships of PAS, DAP and Keadilan, agree to support this amendment should it requires a two-thirds majority," said Anwar during a press conference after Pakatan's leadership council meeting in Parliament today. Anwar also urged that the committee and the government to take immediate steps to not delay the motion because if it is done next year, it would not bring any effect or meaning. Meanwhile, commenting on the intention of Parti Rakyat Malaysia (PRM) to contest in three parliamentary seats, Anwar said they will discuss the matter with PRM if the party is willing to talk over it. "Yes, relevant parties... not necessarily me," said Anwar when asked on whether he will be the one to negotiate with PRM. During its 56th Birthday Celebration PRM President Dr Rohana Ariffin announced that her party will be contesting for parliamentary seats in Balik Pulau in Penang, Selayang and Petaling Jaya Selantan in Selangor. She said the list of its candidates for these three constituencies will be announced in the near future. The Pakatan council meeting also discussed about electoral roll, voting and the usage indelible ink.   - mD - Malaysian Digest, 15/11/2011, Anwar Wants Constitution Amended Fast to Allow Use of Indelible Ink

PKR MP Wants to Team Up with PRM to Fend Off BN from Balik Pulau

PKR MP Wants to Team Up with PRM to Fend Off BN from Balik Pulau

by Aidil Syukri

KUALA LUMPUR, 15 NOVEMBER, 2011: Balik Pulau MP Yusmadi Yusoff said he welcomes Parti Rakyat Malaysia’s (PRM) the intention to contest its candidates in Balik Pulau for the next General Election (GE).   Speaking to reporters in a press conference in Parliament today, Yusmadi said, however, for the benefit of the voters in Balik Pulau constituency, he invited PRM to work with Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) in facing Barisan Nasional (BN). He said, as the PRM has the same agenda with PKR which is to defeat the BN, he suggested for PRM President Dr Rohana Ariffin to discuss over this issue in order to benefit Balik Pulau voters. “I am confident that PRM has a good faith in contesting in the GE that is to defeat BN. I welcome their intention to contest the at Balik Pulau because I know that PRM has a long history in Balik Pulau, especially Rohana who has competed in Balik Pulau on PKR ticket, but lost,” said Yusmadi. “I suggest that since we have the same agenda that is to defeat Umno/BN in Balik Pulau, I recommend that Rohana and I to sit together to discuss further for the benefit of the voters in Balik Pulau in the coming election,” he added. “So I am pleased to invite the leadership of the PRM to work together with me in dealing with Umno/BN,” he added. He said he did not feel threatened at all by the PRM proposal to compete in Balik Pulau but what he is worried about is the fate of the voters in the constituency. During its 56th Birthday Celebration PRM President Rohana announced that PRM will be contesting parliamentary seats in Balik Pulau in Penang, Selayang and Petaling Jaya Selantan in Selangor. The list of its candidates for these three constituencies will be announced in the near future. Earlier, Dr Rohana, when contacted by Malaysian Digest this morning, said that it is the party's democratic right to contest in the next general election. However, she said if the opposition is not willing to negotiate then “that's their problem”. Nevertheless, Dr Rohana hopes that the Opposition would not treat them the same as what the government had been doing which is oppressing them. Explaining the reasons to contest in the three constituencies, she said for Balik Pulau, they have contesting there for a long time except in 2008 and felt that they should contest again. She said the party feels that it still has many supporters in that area, so that's why they decided to contest. - mD - Malaysian Digest, 15/11/2011, PKR MP Wants to Team Up with PRM to Fend Off BN from Balik Pulau

PRM Holds 43rd National Congress

PRM Holds 43rd National Congress

PETALING JAYA, 13 NOVEMBER, 2011: Parti Rakyat Malaysia (PRM) held its 43rd National Congress yesterday two days after their 56th anniversary celebration last Friday. The left-wing political party was formed on the 11 November 1955 by its founder Ahmad Boestamam.   The event was held at its headquarters in Petaling Jaya Selatan attended by high profile guests in the likes of PAS Deputy President Mohammad Sabu, Nibong Tebal MP Tan Tee Beng, Kelana Jaya MP Loh Gwo Burne and SAMM leader Badrul Hisham Shaharin popularly known as Chegubard. The highlight of the Congress was went party members elected their new leadership to face new challenges especially in the upcoming General Election in which they will be actively involved. Below are the names of the new PRM leadership : President: Dr Rohana Ariffin Deputy President: SK Song Vice Presidents: G Palaniandy, Tan Chin Hong, Koh Swee Yong Secretary General: Al Jafree Md Yusop Treasurer: Mohd Yusuf Che Ya During its 56th Birthday Celebration party President Rohana announced that PRM will be contesting parliamentary seats in Balik Pulau in Penang, Selayang and Petaling Jaya Selantan in Selangor. The list of candidates will be announced in the near future.     - mD - Malaysian Digest, 14/11/2011, PRM Holds 43rd National Congress

PRM tetap mahu rampas tiga kerusi PKR (Malaysiakini)

Tajuk berita adalah keputusan pihak media, dan boleh mengelirukan pembaca. Apa yang berlaku adalah pernyataan PRM niat mereka bertanding dalam pilihanraya akan datang menentang Barisan Nasional - dan bukan untuk menentang PKR. PRM memilih kerusi yang bakal ditandingi berasaskan sejarah kerja parti di kawasan terbabit dan sokongan, serta juga wujudnya calun sesuai untuk kawasan tersebut.

PRM tetap mahu rampas tiga kerusi PKR

12:25PM Nov 15, 2011

Parti Rakyat Malaysia (PRM) menegaskan mempunyai hak demokratik untuk bertanding di tiga kerusi yang kini dikuasai PKR dalam pilihan raya umum akan datang; dan sekiranya Pakatan Rakyat menolaknya, itu "masalah mereka".

"Sekiranya pembangkang tidak bersedia berunding, itu masalah mereka," kata Presiden PRM Rohana Ariffin.

Beliau berkata, pembangkang tidak seharusnya menekan "seperti yang dilakukan kerajaan".

Parti itu semalam mengumumkan akan bertanding di Balik Pulau, Selayang dan Petaling Jaya Selatan yang dipegang Yusmadi Yusof, William Leong dan Hee Loy Sian.

Sekiranya perkara itu tidak dapat diselesaikan, maka pilihan raya umum yang dijangkakan seawal tahun depan akan menyaksikan pertandingan tiga penjuru antara kedua-dua parti berkenaan dan BN. - Malaysiakini, 15/11/2011, PRM tetap mahu rampas tiga kerusi PKR

PKR bakal berdepan PRM di Balik Pulau, PJS, Selayang (Malaysiakini)

Tajuk berita adalah keputusan pihak media, dan boleh mengelirukan pembaca. Apa yang berlaku adalah pernyataan PRM niat mereka bertanding dalam pilihanraya akan datang menentang Barisan Nasional - dan bukan untuk menentang PKR. PRM memilih kerusi yang bakal ditandingi berasaskan sejarah kerja parti di kawasan terbabit dan sokongan, serta juga wujudnya calun sesuai untuk kawasan tersebut.

PKR bakal berdepan PRM di Balik Pulau, PJS, Selayang

1:06PM Nov 14, 2011

Parti Rakyat Malaysia (PRM) hari ini mengumumkan bahawa ia akan bertanding di tiga kerusi yang sekarang ini dipegang oleh PKR pada pilihan raya umum akan datang.

Dalam satu kenyataan media, presiden PRM yang baru dilantik, Rohana Ariffin berkata, parti itu akan bertanding di Balik Pulau di Pulau Pinang dan kerusi Selayang serta Petaling Jaya Selatan di Selangor.

Ketiga-tiga kerusi itu kini dipegang oleh Yusmadi Yusof, William Leong dan Hee Loy Sian.

Melainkan PRM mampu menyelesaikan perkara itu dengan PKR, maka pilihan raya umum kali ini yang dijangkakan seawal tahun depan, akan menyaksikan sekurang-kurangnya pertandingan tiga penjuru di antara kedua-dua parti berkenaan dan BN.

Adalah difahamkan bahawa buat masa ini belum ada pertemuan di antara PRM dan PKR bagi membincangkan perkara itu tetapi PKR dijangka mengeluarkan satu kenyataan apabila biro politiknya bermesyuarat pada Rabu ini.

PRM dikatakan telah bergabung dengan dengan ahli serpihan PKR, iaitu Parti Keadilan Nasional pada tahun 2003 selepas perbincangan yang berlarutan antara kedua-dua pihak.

Beberapa pihak dalam PRM mendakwa sebilangan besar ahli-ahlinya menentang penggabungan itu dan ia masih berfungsi sebagai sebuah parti politik,dan terus diiktiraf sebagai sebuah entiti yang berasingan oleh Pendaftar Pertubuhan.

Walau bagaimanapun, pemimpin PKR, termasuk mereka yang pernah menganggotai parti berhaluan kiri yang ditubuhkan oleh oleh pejuang kemerdekaan Ahmad Boestamam pada tahun 1955 itu, menegaskan bahawa PRM tidak lagi wujud.

Dakwa mereka sesetengah pemimpin, seperti bekas presiden, (kanan) dan setiausaha agung SK Song - yang merupakan antara mereka yang berkeras mempertahankan kewujudan PRM - juga telah bertanding pada pilihan raya umum 2004 di bawah tiket PKR. - Malaysiakini, 14/11/2011, PKR bakal berdepan PRM di Balik Pulau, PJS, Selayang

No bowing out for the seladang (Star)

PRM, the only left-wing party in the country, is looking for a resurgence in the coming general election

A DIE-HARD Parti Rakyat Malaysia (PRM) supporter trudged up a long flight of stairs to the party headquarters on the third floor of a shoplot in Petaling Jaya.

I could literally hear the 57-year-old man’s knee creaking as he spiritedly - one step at a time - advanced towards where PRM was celebrating its 56th birthday on Friday.

On the way up, he talked about the days in the 1960s when, as a boy, he put up PRM posters during the election campaign against the “kapal layar” (the sailboat logo of the Alliance, predecessor to Barisan Nasional).

Quiet celebration: Joining Rohana in cutting the PRM anniversary cake are (from left) treasurer Teh Soon Ming, secretary-general R.N. Rajah and central working committee member Zulkarnain Abdullah at the party headquarters in Petaling Jaya last Friday.

“It was during the Vietnam War era when anti-Americanism was the rage and support for the party was at its height,” he recalled.

PRM won the parliamentary seats of Kuala Lumpur and Johor Baru in the 1959 general election.

At 11am sharp on 11.11.11, PRM president Rohana Ariffin and her comrades cut a cake with the party’s logo - the head of a seladang (the Malayan gaur), witnessed by about 50 people, including two party members who were ISA detainees.

After the party, I spoke to Rohana, a retired associate professor of Universiti Sains Malaysia.

A bit wary of attending a party with leftist leanings as it is the season to attack all things linked to Socialism, I asked the president to explain her party.        

“The socialist party - as far as we know it in Malaysia - believes in the democratic process of being elected into power and not through armed revolution,” said the 60-something who was wearing a red bandana.

“If you ask what socialist ideology is, it believes that all production of the country should be for the consumption of the rakyat first and not so much for profit.

“You can make a certain amount of profit but the rakyat’s interest comes first, especially that of the working class.”

PRM is one of Malaysia’s oldest political parties. It was founded as Parti Rakyat on Nov 11, 1955 by Ahmad Boestamam, Dr Burhanuddin Al Helmy and Ishak Mohamad.

“The party was strong in the 1960s and 1970s. But since it was the only legitimate left-wing party in the country at that time, the Government came down hard on people with socialist ideologies,” said Rohana.

“When you look at the evolution of the party, most PRM leaders (such as Boestamam, Kassim Ahmad and Syed Husin Ali) have been detained in prison.”

In 2003, PRM was thought to have been dissolved when it merged with Parti Keadilan Nasional to form Parti Keadilan Rakyat.

“At that time, the party leadership was quite ‘tired’ because society would not accept us as they saw PRM as left-wing and there was a popular movement which was Keadilan, so they decided to merge.”

However, like the seladang, PRM stubbornly refused to become extinct.

“The only problem with the merger was that we should have had a last delegates’ meeting to dissolve the party in an honourable manner,” Rohana recalled.

But in the haste to merge, the leadership “forgot” to do so.

In 2005, die-hard supporters convened a national congress and “resurrected” the party as it was never de-registered.

During the interview with Rohana, PRM supporters would quietly slip RM10 or RM50 to the party president as they bid goodbye to her.

“This is our culture,” she explained. “We are a very poor party and we rely on financial support from our members. Usually what we do is pay with our own money for an event we organise and then our members will give donations.”

It is heart-warming for Rohana to see die-hard supporters climb the steps to attend the party’s event.

“For example, there was a 70-something member who came from Sungai Tembiling (in Pahang) by boat and bus and he told me, ‘Parti Rakyat is my party and I will never change’,” Rohana related.

“And even among the young the spirit is there. Our party is rejuvenated by the young who are interested in left-wing politics.”

The young, she said, were fed up with the infighting in Parliament between the Government and the Opposition.

“There is no compromise or middle ground in any issue that the two coalitions can’t see the trees for the forest.”

The party is seeking relevance in the next election.

It is targeting to contest in seats like Selayang, Balik Pulau and Petaling Jaya Selatan.

The seladang, which can’t be put to pasture, is hoping left-wing politics will make a resurgence.- Star, 14/11/2011, No bowing out for the seladang

PRM to challenge PKR in Balik Pulau, PJS, Selayang

PRM to challenge PKR in Balik Pulau, PJS, Selayang

 

12:36PM Nov 14, 2011

Parti Rakyat Malaysia (PRM) has announced it would contest in three parliamentary seats currently held by PKR in the upcoming general election.

In a statement issued today, PRM said its newly-elected president Dr Rohana Ariffin (left) had announced it would contest in Balik Pulau in Penang, and Selayang and Petaling Jaya Selatan in Selangor.

The three constituencies are represented by Yusmadi Yusof, William Leong and Hee Loy Sian, respectively.

Unless PRM can resolve the matter with PKR, therefore, there will be a three-corner fight between the two parties and BN in the next polls, which some expect to be held early next year.

It is understood that there is currently no deal between PRM and PKR. The latter is expected to issue a statement when its political bureau meets on Wednesday evening.

PRM was said to have merged with PKR precursor Parti Keadilan Nasional in 2003 after protracted discussions between leaders of the two parties.

A faction within PRM, however, claims a significant number of its members were against the merger, that it is still functioning as a political party, and is still recognised as a separate entity by the Registrar of Societies.

PKR leaders, however, including those formerly in the leadership of the leftist party founded in 1955 by independence fighter and one-time MP Ahmad Boestamam, have insisted PRM no longer exists.

They point out that some of its leaders, such as former president Hassan Abdul Karim ( right) and secretary-general SK Song - who were among those who insisted on PRM’s continued existence - had even contested the 2004 general election under the PKR banner.

They had also attended the first merged congress of PKR in 2005 held in Ipoh and witnessed the democratic process of the election to elect committee members.

In the statement today, PRM also announced its new lineup following party elections held over the weekend at its headquarters in Petaling Jaya Selatan.

Beside Dr Rohana, the others elected to PRM's new leadership were Song (deputy president) and G Palaniandy, Tan Chin Hong, Koh Swee Yong as vice presidents.

Al Jafree Md Yusop was elected secretary general, and Mohd Yusuf Che Ya as treasurer.

Among those in attendance at the congress were PAS deputy president Mohammad Sabu, Kita's Nibong Tebal MP Tan Tee Beng, PKR's Kelana Jaya MP Loh Gwo Burne and ex-PKR youth leader Badrul Hisham Shaharin. - Malaysiakini, 14/11/2011, PRM to challenge PKR in Balik Pulau, PJS, Selayang

 

Parti PRM, Puan Rohana Ariffin tidak berbelah bahagi menyatakan sokongan akan hadir menjayakan Perhimpunan Bersih 2.0 pada 9 Julai 2011

 

Parti PRM, Puan Rohana Ariffin tidak berbelah bahagi menyatakan sokongan akan hadir menjayakan Perhimpunan Bersih 2.0 pada 9 Julai 2011 

 YB Teresa Kok dari DAP menyelar tindakan PERKASA untuk berhimpun membantah Perhimpunan Bersih 2.0 yang termaktub dalam perlembagaan Malaysia tentang hak untuk berhimpun

YB Syed Azman dari PAS menyatakan sokongan 100% dan akan mengerahkan 100,000 ahli PAS hadir ke Perhimpunan Bersih 2.0

YB Nurul Izzah mewakili PKR menyatakan sokongan 100% terhadap Perhimpunan Bersih 2.0

Pengerusi Bersih 2.0, Datuk S Ambiga menyatakan akan meneruskan Perhimpunan Bersih 2.0 walaupun mendapat tentangan yang hebat daripada pelbagai pihak

Sebanyak 8 tuntutan dikemukakan sempena Perhimpunan Bersih 2.0

Dianggarkan lebih 2,000 orang telah hadir di majlis Perasmian Perhimpunan Bersih 2.0 

 

Saari bersama Aliza, Pak Long dan rakan-rakan dari Segamat Johor yang hadir di Majlis Perasmian menyatakan sokongan kepada Bersih 2.0

Saari bersama seorang kanak-kanak istimewa, anak kepada seorang aktivis yang hadir menyatakan sokongan

PRM President: Public's Suspicions Over Abolishment of ISA Due to Govt's Low Credibility

PRM President: Public's Suspicions Over Abolishment of ISA Due to Govt's Low Credibility

by Dajmarizal Zolkipli

DAMANSARA, 22 SEPTEMBER, 2011: Parti Rakyat Malaysia (PRM) president Dr Rohana Ariffin said that the public’s suspicions over Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s recent announcement to abolish the Internal Security Act (ISA) is mainly due to the low credibility of the ruling government.      Dr Rohana however believes that the repealing of the ISA is a positive move for a better democratic country.   “In the next couple of years, if the government is sincere and the ISA is abolished, then it is a very positive move towards the betterment democracy of Malaysia,” Dr Rohana said. “The government have been using a lot of oppression tools of laws in its 54 years of ruling the country. So when the government gives the ISA up, the people becomes highly suspicious and think that this might be a political ploy for general elections, whenever it is it might be held,” she added.   She also said she is certain that Najib will keep to his promises to repeal the ISA along with other oppressive laws seeing as the government currently needs to improve its credibility. “The credibility of the government is rather low at the moment, especially in the urban areas therefore I am sure that the announcement made by the prime minister will go through,” said Dr Rohana. She added that even if the government having two-third of the seats in parliament, its proposal for the abolishment of the ISA will still go through as opposition MP’s would be debating against it should the government make a U-turn. “Politics in the country politics has changed since the last general election in 2008. The government cannot afford to be flip flopping as, in the parliament, there are other MPs that will debate for the abolishment causes, and the civil society and the third force will surely be holding protests if the announcement to abolish the ISA didn’t go through,” said Dr Rohana. “The public now must change their mindset knowing that the opposition will do their best in ensure that the abolishment of the ISA will become a reality,” she added. Dr Rohana also welcomes the two new laws that will be proposed by the government to substitute the ISA. “We need a preventive law, because if we don’t have it, the country will be exposed to terror,” said Dr Rohana. “But the two laws must not be arbitrary. We need a new law that is clear, not like the ISA,” she added. - mD - Malaysian Digest, 22/9/2011, PRM President: Public's Suspicions Over Abolishment of ISA Due to Govt's Low Credibility

PRM to Field Candidates in the Next GE

PRM to Field Candidates in the Next GE

KUALA LUMPUR, 22 AUGUST, 2011: Parti Rakyat Malaysia (PRM) will be fielding candidates in Selangor, Johor, Perak, Kedah and Penang in the next general election (GE), said its president Dr Rohana Ariffin.   "In Selangor we will be contesting for two parliamentary seats which are Selayang and Kelana Jaya, four state assembly seats which are PJS1, Templer, Kuang and Rawang. "In Johor, one parliamentary seat which is Johor Bahru and two state assembly seats which are Johor Jaya and Stulang. "In Perak, one state assembly seat which is Behrang, in Kedah one parliamentary seat which is Sg petani and one or two seats in Penang which will be announced later," she said in a press statement today. According to Dr Rohana, the names of their candidates will be announced later by the Central Working Committee.     - mD

Kerdau By-Election :- A possible coming out event for the 'new' PRM?

Will PRM consider contesting in Kerdau? Maybe, it should because Temerloh is and was the birthplace of the Malay left, and clearly PAS who contested in the last elections seems not to have the support of the people. Maybe, PRM should start campaigning and run in Kerdau - it could also be a coming-out moment for Parti Rakyat Malaysia.

A by-election also do get the attention of the Malaysian public ...and that is more reason why PRM should really consider fast the possibly of running.

TEMERLOH: Kerdau assemblyman Datuk Zaharuddin Abu Kassim died of a heart attack at his home near here, paving the way for the country’s 16th by-election.

Zaharuddin, 63, had slipped in his bathroom at about 6.45pm yesterday after complaining of being unwell.

He was rushed to the Sultan Ahmad Shah Hospital, but doctors failed to resuscitate him.

The first-term assemblyman was pronounced dead at about 7.15pm at the intensive care unit.

OCPD Asst Comm Mohd Nor Mansor confirmed that Zaharuddin had collapsed in the bathroom of his Kampung Kerdau home.

Kuala Krau MP Datuk Ismail Said said the assemblyman, who was supposed to attend a Chinese New Year event, had felt unwell.

Sultan Ahmad Shah, who was attending a 1Malaysia Chinese New Year gathering in Raub, left the event early to visit Zaharuddin’s family and offer his condolences.

Mentakab assemblyman Datuk Chuah Boon Seong, who was also at the gathering, said: “It is truly sad for all of us in Pahang in the midst of celebrating Chinese New Year.”

In May last year, Zaharuddin was warded in critical condition at the National Heart Institute following complications after an operation to treat intestinal ulcer.

He recovered after two months.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak is expected to attend the burial ceremony, which will be held after afternoon prayers at the Kampung Paya Taram Muslim cemetery.

Zaharuddin won the Kerdau seat in a straight fight against PAS’ Hassanuddin Salim in the 2008 general election, gaining a 1,615-vote majority. - Star, 13/2/2011, Kerdau rep dies, 16th by-election on the cards

 Kerdau assemblyperson Zaharuddin Abu Kassim, 63, from Umno died at Temerloh's Hospital Sultan Ahmad Shah at 7.15pm today.

The Pahang state representative, who had been in and out of hospital over the past one year, had earlier fell in his bathroom at his home in Temerloh.

Zaharuddin had previously been admitted to the hospital twice due to kidney
complication as well as a heart ailment and unstable blood pressure in May and
November last year.

"Datuk Zaharuddin was confirmed as having suffered a heart attack," Temerloh OCPD, ACP Mohd Noor Mansor told Bernama.

His passing sets the stage for the 16th by-election - and the first in Pahang - since the 2008 general elections.

Under the election laws, the Election Commission will have to call a by-election within 60 days.

At present, rival political parties are preparing for the 15th by-election in Merlimau, Malacca on March 6, which has been called due to death of state assemblyperson Mohamad Hidhir Abu Hassan.

Of the 14 by-elections so far, Pakatan Rakyat has won eight, while BN six.

Given that both Merlimau and Kerdau are BN strongholds, the ruling coalition is expected to even the score ahead of the upcoming general elections. 

12 elected reps died since 2008

Since the 2008 general elections, 12 elected representatives had died from various illnesses, including heart problems, cancer, stroke and lung infection.

Of the remaining four, three by-elections were held after incumbent representative quit their seats in the Permatang Pauh parliamentary and Penanti and Bukit Selambau state seats.

One other by-election was held in Batu Sapi, Sabah after its MP Edmund Chong died in a road accident.

The number of by-elections in the past three years is the highest in the country's electoral history.

Kerdau is an overwhelmingly Malay-majority seat with the community comprising 89 percent of the 8,451 voters, while 5.6 percent are Chinese and 3.6 percent Indians.

In the 2008 general elections, Zaharuddin beat PAS candidate hassanudin Salim with a majority of 1,615 votes.

In 2004, Umno's Redzwan Harun won the seat with a much higher majority of 2,565.

He suddenly lost conciousness 

Zaharuddin had also been treated at the National Heart Institute for two months for kidney complication and heart ailment after undergoing surgery for intestinal ulcer at the Hospital Sultan Ahmad Shah Temerloh in May last year.

Meanwhile, Kuala Krau member of parliament Ismail Mohamed Said said Zaharuddin was taken to hospital and admitted to the intensive care unit, but was confirmed dead while receiving treatment.

"According to his aide, Zaharuddin had earlier complained of stomach ache and his aide had taken him to the bathroom, where he suddenly fell and lost consciousness," he said when met at the hospital.

Ismail said Zaharuddin was then preparing to attend a Chinese New Year gathering in Temerloh.

He said Zaharuddin would be laid to rest at the Kampung Paya Taram Muslim Cemetery, Kerdau after the Zohor prayer tomorrow. - Malaysiakini, 12/2/2011, Kerdau state rep dies, 16th by-election beckons

Parti Rakyat Malaysia Press Statement on 30 December 2010

Parti Rakyat Malaysia Press Statement on 30 December 2010

For the coming years, Parti Rakyat Malaysia shall re-emerge like a breath of fresh air into the political arena of Malaysia.


We still firmly belived in the struggle of our forefounders like Dr. Burhanuddin Al-Helmy, Ahmad Boestamam, Shamsiah Fakeh in bringing about a progressive and equitable society and the PRM will always remain a multiracial political party.


We will continue to struggle with the people against any form of exploitation, violence and corruption. We believe that the capitalistic and neo-liberal systems will continue to exploit the working class and the general population. Many of our social problems like all forms of crimes, unwanted pregnancies, corruption and selfish attitude are mainly rooted in the system that are dominant in Malaysia.


We will have a Barisan Bela Rakyat(People's Front) to go to the ground to struggle alongside the people. In that we are now building our youth section, working with youth groups and NGOs. Our youth shall be called Pemuda Rakyat (People's Youth).


PRM is willing to work with all parties and vehicles (political and others) to strengthen the democratic process in the country. This will be through dialogues, networking and joint actions and struggles. We shall struggle against all forms of fascism, be it political or racial fascism or religious fascism. The people shall live with a sense of duty and responsibility to society and shall not be subjected to any form of immitidation from any groups with power.


Last but not least, we call upon all interested parties to join us. In addition, we welcome the youth who may be searching for a political party that is progressive, multiracial has been historically resilient and with steadfast integrity. This appeal goes also to our former PRM members who may want to come back into the fold of PRM.


In the recent 42 PRM Congress, a restructuring was called for and agreed by the majority in the Congress and in the first Central Committee meeting the new line-up are as follows:


President: Rohana Ariffin
Deputy President : Song Sing Kwee
Vice President: Gary Nair, Salleh Ahmad, Goh Chuin Loon
Secretary General : Koh Swe Yong
Assistant Sec Gen : Kamarul Adnan
Treasurer: Teh Soon Meng
Committee Members: Tan Chin Hong, Yem Ahmad, Ariffin Salimon, Zulkarnain Abdullah, Sivakumar Balakrishnan, Aidit Abdullah, Palaniandy Kunchi, Nadarajah Ramasamy, M. Rizal Ibrahim