Even if I lose in GE15, I’ll know that I’ve tried, says Siti Kasim

 

Siti Kasim says inducing change will take time and it may not materialise through Gerak Independent’s first cycle in the elections.

KUALA LUMPUR: Human rights lawyer and activist Siti Kasim says the people deserve the government they vote for, which is why she will be contesting in the next general election (GE15) as an independent to effect change.

She said there is a need for real change with capable people with integrity who do not need to abide by party ambitions and political warlords in Parliament.

“I realised that handing over that responsibility to political parties was not going to work.

“If I believe in this country and its people, then I must take the step myself,” she said at the launch of the Siti Kasim Service Centre (SKSC) in Sentul today.

Siti said she was unsure of the chances for Gerak Independent candidates in GE15 but added that she would be content just having contested.

“What we are going by is our principles and the pillars that we stand for, which is for the benefit of all Malaysians.

“I am doing this because at least I can die happy knowing that I tried,” she said.

She said that effecting change would take time and it may not materialise through Gerak’s first cycle in the elections, but stressed that it was imperative to start the effort.

“What choice do we have when people here in Batu are eking out a living while those charged with making their lives better steal and plunder from them instead?”

Siti, who will be contesting in the Batu constituency in GE15 as a Gerak candidate, said the SKSC would serve as a one-stop centre to engage with Batu residents where they could share concerns and seek advice.

The service centre will be open to the public from May 16 on weekdays from 10am to 4pm. - FMT