A coalition of civil society groups, political parties and NGOs has revealed that this year’s May Day rally will centre on the theme “Workers United Against War and Corruption”.
The May 1 Committee said the rally aims to call for an end to global conflicts that disproportionately affect the working class.
The committee brings together 12 groups, including Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram), Mandiri, PSM, Muda, Gabungan Marhaen, Persatuan Sahabat Wanita and Aksi Malaysia.
In a press conference today, the committee announced that the rally will be held on May 1, starting at 3pm at Masjid Negara, and concluding at Dataran Merdeka.
Former Batu MP Tian Chua said the labour movement’s demands extend to anti-war advocacy, noting that workers have historically been at the forefront of opposing conflicts.
“In all these wars, it is the working class that is sacrificed, not the elites at the top. They are the ones who make the decisions, but those who die, who become the victims, are the working class, the labourers.
“In the end, the greatest impact falls on the lower-income groups, who face hardship through rising costs and various difficulties in life,” Chua said during the May Day rally press conference at the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall.
Chua, who is also part of the Palestine Solidarity Secretariat, called on the working class to develop a clear understanding of global developments, stressing that such awareness is key to safeguarding their rights.
“This message is also a source of strength that we must build to resist those who profit from war, particularly within the business world.
“That is why I urge more anti-war groups, including those advocating for Palestine and opposing Zionist and imperial powers, to come together,” he added.
Corruption ’disease’
The May Day rally is an annual demonstration held in conjunction with Labour Day to highlight workers’ issues and press for policy reforms.
Last year, more than 60 organisations called on the government to fulfil 51 demands, including implementing a RM2,000 minimum wage, as well as introducing universal basic income and pensions.
Key demands this year include calls for worker unity, an end to ongoing conflicts in Iran, Ukraine and Palestine, as well as a realistic minimum wage and improvements to public healthcare.
The rally will also push for institutional reforms, including an independent and transparent MACC.
Bersih chairperson Faisal Abdul Aziz said that corruption remains a major factor contributing to inequality in Malaysia, describing it as a systemic issue that continues to burden the rakyat.
He remarked that corruption remains a “disease” that continues to oppress workers at the local level, worsening inequality and deepening the rakyat’s hardship.
“When we look at issues of worker oppression in the local context, corruption is clearly a systemic problem that keeps people down.
“Because of corruption, we see elites continue to benefit while ordinary people suffer. Public funds end up being used to bail out incompetent companies,” Faisal said.
He also highlighted the upcoming “Tangkap Azam Baki” (Arrest Azam Baki) protest scheduled for April 25, noting that it serves as a precursor for the May Day rally, which will broaden its focus to both local and international issues.
‘War of narratives’
Suaram executive director Azura Nasron emphasised that the rally would also highlight fundamental liberties, particularly freedom of speech, warning that these rights are increasingly under pressure.
She pointed to what she described as a growing “war of narratives” in Malaysia, especially on social media, where laws and enforcement mechanisms are often deployed against ordinary citizens voicing dissent.
Criticising the continued use of draconian legislation, Azura said such measures risk undermining democratic rights and silencing legitimate criticism.
“So, as workers, across the world and across Malaysia, we must stand together to resist these draconian laws,” she added.
Azura’s remarks were in response to a statement last week by federal police Criminal Investigation Department director M Kumar, in which Bukit Aman issued a reminder for the public to exercise responsibility on social media.
The reminder came amid public outcry over the arrest of a TikToker known as Jorjet Myla, who is widely believed to have been investigated under the Sedition Act 1948 over a video criticising Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. - Mkini
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