Academic calls for creation of third force via independent coalition

An academic has called for the formation of a third force in politics, starting with the creation of a coalition of independent candidates by civil society.

Speaking at a forum titled "Whither Maruah Malaysia 2.0" in Kuala Lumpur today, UCSI University's Tajuddin Mohd Rasdi urged civil society to take action in the current political situation. 

"For the first time, I am calling for the formation of the (coalition of) independent candidates because a single independent candidate cannot win. But (if we have) 40 or 50 under civil society, then we can do this," he said.

"We must send our own people's representatives (wakil rakyat) so we can directly influence (the country's policy)," said the author and architecture professor.

He said the coalition will talk with other parties, and for the first time, civil society will be a force within politics.

According to his slideshow presentation, Tajuddin said the coalition will work with Harapan parties to retake Malaysia in the 15th general election.

"The coalition will work with existing parties like PSM, MCA, MIC, Gerakan and parties from Sabah and Sarawak and form a big third force," he told the more than 200-strong audience.

In his presentation, Tajuddin called for people’s representatives to replace “any traitorous party and MPs who abandon the rakyat's hopes and aspirations".

Tajuddin also noted the need to form a civil society group to answer any attack on any race, religion or minority group.

"We must not let any race, religion or minority group respond to the attacks in isolation. We must be of one voice," he said.

Civil society should change its game plan with the prevalence of racial and religious elements in the country.

Every citizen should consider the other as their family, according to Tajuddin.

"We must transcend traditional racial, geopolitical and religious boundaries to be one family, socially, politically and spiritually," he stressed.

Other speakers at the event were former Bar Council chairperson S Ambiga, scholar Lim Teck Ghee, former MP Tawfik Ismail, MCA vice-president Ti Lian Ker, lawyer Siti Kasim, columnist Johan Ariffin Samad and See Chee How, special aide to the works minister.  - Mkini