Help sustain Aliran’s counter-narrative

The Aliran Singers performing at a fundraising dinner in 2018

It’s just over seven months since the dramatic general election last November.

In the run-up to that election, Aliran had reminded everyone, including the leaders of all the major political parties, about the People’s Agenda. This agenda focuses on the people’s quality of life, sustainable development, inclusivity, democracy, and an end to corruption and cronyism.

We would like to think this message has seeped through the “unity government” that is now in power and which seems open to some reforms.

The reform agenda which we champion – seeking justice, freedom and solidarity for all – remains a long-term goal and there is still much that needs to be done.

But we are at a crossroads during this watershed period in Malaysian history. This could be our last chance in a while to make a difference and build a more inclusive nation.

Of late, we have seen a trend by certain quarters in the opposition to play up issues of race and religion. This exclusive and narrow narrative needs to be challenged.

Now more than ever, we need counter-narratives that promote unity and inclusiveness rather than highlighting differences that divide communities.

Here’s where we come in. Aliran, as a social reform movement – through articles, forums and workshops – promotes bridge-building to foster unity among the people, regardless of ethnicity, religion, nationality, gender and social class. Our press statements, which highlight important issues, aim to exert pressure on the relevant authorities to keep to the reform track.

Along with other civil society groups, Aliran also plays a watchdog role to remind the government about the People’s Agenda and provide more checks and balances.

Formed in 1977 and funded totally by public donations, we have been able to play our role and sustain our efforts, led largely by a group of volunteers. This is testimony to our continuing relevance in Malaysian society.

But it is an enormous challenge to remain financially solvent. Aliran employs one administrator to oversee the day-to-day running of our office and two freelance personnel to maintain our website. We also hire a translator to translate selected pieces to reach out to our Malay-reading audience. On average, our operating expenditure per month is about RM10,000.

To continue with our work, we need your generous financial support. Without it, our current financial resources will only last us just over six months. So we urgently appeal to you, if you can afford it, to consider making a monthly, half-yearly or annual pledge to ensure we have enough funds to continue our work.

To make a pledge, you can fill up the form here.

(Don’t worry, you can cancel your pledge at any time.)

Alternatively, you could make a one-off donation to Aliran to help keep us afloat.

Our bank account details:

Account name: Persatuan Aliran Kesedaran Negara
Account no: 8004240948
CIMB Bank Berhad

email: [email protected]

Thank you for responding positively to this appeal. If you have already made a pledge or donation, we thank you for your support. Please share this appeal with others as well.

The views expressed in Aliran's media statements and the NGO statements we have endorsed reflect Aliran's official stand. Views and opinions expressed in other pieces published here do not necessarily reflect Aliran's official position.
AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama
  1. Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
  2. Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
  3. Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
  4. Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
  5. Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
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