Two years after the “unity government” took over power in Malaysia, the initial excitement over political change has given way to concern over the slow pace of reforms.
In fact, an air of pessimism now hangs over the country.
This sentiment was shared by some Aliran members attending the social reform group’s 48th annual general meeting today.
At our annual meeting last year, we had hoped that the reform agenda would be pushed forward. But little progress has been made, leaving Aliran members frustrated. Many politicians appear to focus more on maintaining their grip on power than addressing people’s needs and aspirations.
The current situation requires civil society groups like Aliran to play an active role in driving the reform agenda. It has also increased our resolve to advocate for change.
Anil Netto, re-elected president today, reminded members of the quote by French Nobel Literature laureate Romain Rolland and later expanded by Italian philosopher Antonio Gramsci: “Pessimism of the spirit, optimism of the will.”
In the Aliran context, this means we need to see the grim reality of the world as it is. But we should not wallow in cynicism and despair.
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Instead, we need to fuse the pessimism of the spirit with the optimism of the will. “This means we press ahead enthusiastically with courage, perseverance and tenacity to overcome the challenges that lie ahead,” Netto emphasised.
Members re-elected Anil as president for a sixth year.
Mary Magdaline Pereira continues as honorary secretary, with Dr Azmil Tayeb as honorary assistant secretary.
Henry Loh was re-elected as honorary treasurer.
Re-elected to the executive committee were former Aliran president Dr Prema Devaraj, Dr Mustafa K Anuar, Andrew Wong, Prof Zaharom Nain, Dr Christopher Chong, Sukeshini Nair, Dr Por Heong Hong, K Haridas, Sarajun Hoda and John Fong. Dr Lye Tuck-Po rejoins the committee.
Hwa Jen was re-elected as honorary auditor.
Henry Loh
Aliran honorary treasurer
23 November 2024
- Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
- Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
- Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
- Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
- Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
You cannot reform a country which was ‘misreformed’ for decades unless a reformed Government is in power longer. Whats the point of immediate reform when the threat of a “back to square Government one” is there? Grow up Aliran.