Keadilan's fourth annual general meeting will be held tomorrow in Sungai Petani, Kedah. In an interview with malaysiakini this week, secretary-general Sahri Bahri charts the party's progress over the year.

Malaysiakini: How would you rate the party's performance, in terms of membership and its impact on the Malaysian political scenario since its formation in 1999?

Sahri: Our membership has grown consistently since the last general election (1999) despite the suppression of democratic space, the fear in the supportive masses and detention under the Internal Security Act of our key leaders. We have stood firm in our struggle to establish democracy and justice for all Malaysians. I believe our commitment and aspiration are being recognised by friends and foes alike.

How many of your branches and divisions have been approved by the Registrar of Societies since last year? How many new branches are you looking at?

The ROS has approved 32 new divisions, an increase of 27%, and 181 new branches, a growth of 75%, since early this year.

To date we have a total of 152 divisions and 423 branches. We are targeting registration and approval of the remaining 42 divisions (67 if based on the redelineation) and expanding our branches to reach 1,000 by the end of our term of office in October 2004.

What issues or resolutions will be raised at the AGM?

Four resolutions will be tabled for debate. The resolution on the keynote address (by president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail) will outline the direction and stance of the party vis--vis the pertinent issues affecting the nation as well as the way forward for Keadilan.

There will also be a motion to be tabled by the Supreme Council on the issue of education particularly on the impending introduction of English in the teaching of Science and Mathematics.

The Youth's AGM is expected to debate on democracy, human rights and politics. The Women's AGM will discuss the motion pertaining to social development and nation building.

What is your message to delegates this year?

The AGM provides an opportunity for the delegates to self-reflect and evaluate the performance of the party at all levels of involvement. As such, constructive criticisms are in order. It is also an opportune platform for the delegates to cross-fertilise new ideas and articulate our vision, concept and policies with respect to democratic and political change in Malaysia.

It is also about time we crystallised a cogent strategy and programme to win the hearts and minds of the masses in facing the impending general election. It is hoped that the AGM will provide a new drive, impetus, and sense of urgency to spearhead activism at all levels within the party in consonance with the AGM's theme Bersama Menegakkan Kebenaran dan Keadilan (Together for Truth and Justice).