The five points under the People’s Agenda that voters should consider are: upholding the dignity and quality of life of the people; promoting equitable, sustainable development and addressing the climate crisis; celebrating diversity and inclusivity; saving democracy and upholding the rule of law; and fighting corruption.
The People’s Agenda was introduced by Aliran president Anil Netto at a press conference today.
Anil said the People’s Agenda would be sent to all political parties at the end of April and once again when the general election was announced.
Political party representatives will be invited to share their views and their party’s commitments to the People’s Agenda so that the public will be able to judge the calibre and commitment of the political parties and hold them accountable.
Pacos Trust executive director Anne Lasimbang, who spoke on the importance of raising the dignity and quality of life of the people, said in talking about the quality of life and the economy, one should look at it from a circular rather than a linear perspective.
She stressed on the need for access to clean water, adequate public healthcare, affordable housing, and quality education.
Rights group Suara Rakyat Malaysia’s (Suaram) executive director Sevan Doraisamy touched on the importance of upholding democracy and the rule of law.
Sevan said: “We are experiencing an unwanted and unnecessary use of the Sedition Act and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act.”
It had been used by the authorities not only to silence dissenters but also to intimidate the public, he said, referring to graphic artist and activist Fahmi Reza who had been blacklisted and barred from leaving the country.
“We are hoping this (upholding the freedom of expression) will be the main agenda of any political party in terms of election manifestos,” he added.
Undi18 co-founder Tharma Pillai stressed that the fight against corruption and cronyism must be prioritised as well. He said there was a need to ensure the country had strong institutions and where one could trust that taxpayer money was properly used.
SAVE Rivers’ chairman Peter Kallang spoke on the importance of promoting sustainable development and tackling the climate crisis.
Resilience should be built against floods, water shortages, and rising sea levels, and unsustainable mega-projects and overdevelopment should be stopped, Kallang added.
Gerak exco member Ngo Sheau Shi highlighted the importance of promoting diversity to create a more inclusive society.
There is a need to stop all forms of discrimination on the grounds of gender, nationality, ethnicity, religion, age, ability, and location, and protect the rights of all indigenous communities, Ngo said.