Within weeks, a new political entity, Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) or the People's Justice Party, will be launched. Currently final details are being ironed out by the leaders of Keadilan and Parti Rakyat Malaysia (PRM).

The birth of PKR is not merely the end result of a union of two political parties. Both PRM and Keadilan have emerged under very special historical circumstances in the political development of our nation.

In contrast to the ruling Barisan Nasional's ethnic-based politics, PRM aspires to establish a society founded o­n the principles of democracy, fair distribution and multiracial integration. Despite tremendous repression and repeated setbacks, PRM has relentlessly bore the torch of this idealism which germinated half a century ago.

Meanwhile, Keadilan is a product of the consciousness of a new generation. As a reaction to 20 years of a o­ne-man autocratic rule, the people cried aloud for "reformasi". The rise of the reformasi movement was part of the wave of democratic change that swept across the region after the financial crisis a few years ago.

Expansion for change

The sacking of deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim and his imprisonment awakened the people who used to place their hope and trust in the government's promise for gradual internal reforms. Hence Keadilan emerged out of the people's call for democratic reforms - especially to clean up the practice of KKN (collusion, cronyism and nepotism).

With the unification of the two parties, this new political movement inherits the historical legacy of the people's struggle, and combined with popular enthusiasm and the desire for change of the masses.

The great symbolic significance of the merger goes beyond the interests of the two parties. The new PKR shall serve as a catalyst for expansion of forces for change.

The formation of the PKR lays down the basis for other political forces which share similar idealisms to be united. It is a call to all Malaysians who desire democracy and multiracialism to join in this common struggle.

Following its launch, the PKR leadership shall be opening its doors wide to absorb new blood and to approach various scattered opposition parties to unite in the new setup. It will embark o­n the same process which it went through, to first forge close cooperation with other parties with the eventual hope of merging into a bigger, united entity to be reckoned with.

Mobilising mission

The mission of PKR is not just to provide an alternative to voters in the general election. The most important task is to challenge and dismantle the BN's hegemonic power that is based o­n the suppression of human rights and the perpetuation of racialism.

The political modus operandi of PKR will not and should not be confined within the Parliament. Mass mobilisation should always be a key aspect in the struggle. Mass mobilisation is more than just marching o­n the street or organising peaceful assemblies. The masses must be involved in all political processes and decision making.

The integrity of the country's democratic institutions depends not o­nly o­n the government and the leadership of the ruling parties. A healthy democracy is also sustained by the growth of civil society. Thus the job of PKR and the opposition Barisan Alternatif is not merely to replace BN, but also to develop an assertive civil society.

Objective of reformasi

Since the leadership of the new entity is comprised of many personalities with long-standing experience in academia, NGOs and the mass movement, the party will enjoy access to a broad network of social forces - which could provide valuable input into the political agenda of the party.
In the meantime, the party must continue the tradition of PRM in maintaining close links with public interest groups, trade unions and various citizen organisations. Besides maintaining ties, the party shall at all time be prepared to defend as well as develop initiatives that could strengthen the voice and power of civil society.

In essence, this is the main objective of reformasi - the people standing up for their rights. PKR will be the backbone of the reformasi struggle. With the completion of the process of this new political unity, we are ready to embark o­n a long and arduous expedition.

We shall lay a milestone o­n the date PKR is launched to mark the road heading towards democracy and multiracialism in Malaysian politics.

TIAN CHUA is vice-president of Keadilan. He is currently held without trial under the Internal Security Act for allegedly seeking to overthrow the government by militant means.