By Charles Chia
There is no universal model of socialism.
In Malaysia, any move toward a more just and equitable society must be rooted in our own historical and political context. The notion of an armed revolution is both unrealistic and undesirable. The road ahead is reformist -challenging the ills of capitalism not through violence, but through persistent, strategic struggle. But let all government leaders be warned by the words of John F Kennedy: “Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable.”
Political power for personal gain
Malaysia has endured over six decades of rule by political elites who have exploited power for personal gain. Umno’s long dominance embedded corruption, racial politics and inequality into the very fabric of governance.
Few remember that prior to and shortly after the independence of Malaya, the peninsula’s political scene was heavily influenced by the left, which aspired to build a socialist nation. That vision died after the May 13 incident of 1969.
The failure of the left then was partly due to its inability to engage with rising ethnic Malay nationalist sentiments – led by feudal elites but embraced by the broader community. The British capitalised on this, forging an alliance with Umno and sidelining left-leaning forces. What followed was not just the marginalisation of socialism and the left, but their demonisation.
Is PH friend or foe?
Yet, the struggle against capitalist excesses did not disappear. It was taken up by civil society movements like Bersih and reformist coalitions such as Pakatan Harapan.
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Today, with PH at the helm of the “unity government”, progressive and socialist forces – especially the socialist party PSM – must ask: is PH a friend or foe?
Race and religion continue to dominate Malaysian politics, largely due to Umno’s and Pas’ legacy.
These narratives mask deeper class contradictions -particularly within the Malay community. The fall of Umno was, in part, a reaction to these contradictions.
But instead of embracing a progressive alternative, many Malays turned to Pas and Bersatu, clinging to racial identity as a source of security.
This has created a dilemma for parties like PSM. They recognise that political power is necessary to implement their agenda – land reform, wealth redistribution and workers’ rights.
But in an electoral system that is neither fair nor democratic, the path to power through elections is long and difficult. Still, it remains the only viable path forward.
Attacking capitalism indiscriminately
If the left is to succeed, it must avoid sectarianism and self-isolation. Attacking all capitalists and capitalism indiscriminately or declaring itself the only legitimate voice of the people is counterproductive.
Many ordinary people in Malaysia suffer under capitalism but do not identify as socialists. Some support PH out of a desire for change. If the left dismisses them, it alienates potential allies.
PSM and Muda, as emerging third forces in Malaysian politics, must rethink their roles. Playing the traditional opposition for opposition’s sake when they are so weak, only reinforces a capitalist-dominated electoral system in which they cannot progress, let alone win. Instead, they should focus on raising social awareness, exposing class inequalities creatively, and building a base of dedicated activists.
History provides a useful reference. After World War One, the UK’s Labour Party, once a minor third force, eventually displaced the Liberals through a clear pro-worker agenda.
If PH is seen to fail to deliver on its reform promises, a similar political vacuum may arise in Malaysia. The question is whether a progressive third force will be ready to fill it. That should be the mission of the left.
Change begins with you and me
But socialist transformation is not just about institutions or parties – it begins with individuals.
True socialist activists must embody the values of justice, compassion and humility, which should be reflected in their lifestyles. They must be capable of serving the people and resolving problems, not just theorising about them.
Training, research and external intellectual collaboration are essential for building an effective, future-ready movement.
The future of socialism in Malaysia depends on strategic clarity, a commitment to service, and the ability to build broad-based alliances without compromising core values. The time to prepare is now.
Charles Chia is a member of Monsoons Malaysia.
- 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
Personally, I don’t think PSM attacks all capitalists. Maybe some members do in certain contexts, but I haven’t seen the central leadership take that kind of hardline position.
Ermmm, I think this is true — especially the last part, which I personally like. From what I know, PSM doesn’t work with race-based parties like UMNO or PAS. But if those parties propose good policies, I think PSM would still be willing to support them. The door to cooperation with other (non–race-based) political parties is open. It’s just that I don’t think those parties want to work with PSM, since PSM isn’t seen as offering them any advantage — and if PSM grows, it might even become a competitor.
PSM should merge with PRM and work together with MUDA and become a third force in Malaysian politics.