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Socialism 2009 Malaysia a huge success
Socialist Party of Malaysia - November 18, 2009
Kuala Lumpur – Socialism 2009 was for the first time held in Kuala Lumpur after being held for the last four years in New Era College, Kajang. The event based on feedback from the participants was a huge success. Around 200 people packed the Selangor Chinese Hall Auditorium. A number of people have to sit in the stairways as all the chairs were occupied.
All the panel discussion was interesting as the topic of 2 party system seems to be relevant and crucial in determining the way forward for Malaysian politics. None of the session could end with enough time as there were many issues to be debated.
The event started with the Internationale being sung and followed by the Opening Address from PSM National Chairperson Dr, Nasir Hashim who spoke about 2 party system as well as the third force.
Panel of speakers comprising of political party leaders, academicians and NGO activist took the floor. Famous personalities in Malaysia such as Toh Kin Voon, Haris Ibrahim, Wong Chin Huat as well as Pakatan Leaders such as Khalid Samad and Mat Sabu addresses the sessions. PSM's Dr. Jeyakumar as well as Party Secretary General S. Arutchelvan were also panellist. The event was moderated by Amer Hamzah, Rohana Arriffin and Kohila.
Participants from the Socialist party from Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, Singapore and Australia were among the International guest present at this year's event.
The overall feeling was that the two party system will not resolve the peoples problems and a third force comprising of people centred agenda will have to emerge. Nevertheless it was felt that a defeat of UMNO-BN 52 year old rule was crucial to put a stop to the illusion that BN cannot be defeated. PSM called for real work in radicalising the masses and said that PSM will continue to work with the Pakatan Rakyat now and will continue to built the class forces for the battles ahead.
Another important topic was for the need for local government election be restored. Kumar spoke that we don't need Capitalism to save democracy and we have to look at emerging situation in Venezuela and Latin America to learn. Another notion was that it is hard to narrow the income gap within the capitalist system and that the fight against Neo-liberalism has to go on.
[A full report of the proceedings and papers will be made available soon.]
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