MEDIA STATEMENT OPPOSING THREE CORNERED FIGHTS.

PSM Decision: Hopeful Prelude to Opposition Avoiding Three Corner Fights 

We, civil society leaders and activists, applaud the Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) decision to use the symbols of other Pakatan Rakyat parties instead of its clenched fist logo in next month’s general election. 

We fully understand that this is a difficult compromise made by a Party that has struggled to get registration for the past 11 years. However it clearly demonstrates PSM’s willingness to listen to, and bow to the aspirations of the Rakyat to avoid three corner fights. It is an act of compromise which reflects a deep political maturity.

 We hope that this is a prelude to a general agreement between all opposition parties not to engage in three corner fights in the coming election.

Such a general agreement will clearly reflect the aspirations of the Rakyat and the sentiments of voters at the grassroots who want a regime change and are concerned that three corner fights involving PR parties and other anti BN parties will result in victory for the BN candidate at the expense of the opposition in their constituency.

We are of the opinion that three or more corner fights will only undermine the opposition’s prospects of capturing power at national level.  We hope that the PSM decision can serve as a basis for electoral agreements within the opposition to ensure that there will be only two party contests against the BN at the state or federal level.  

We note from media reports that PR component parties may land up contesting each other come nomination day. To avoid this unnecessary conflict that goes against the aspirations of the Rakyat we are prepared to establish a Committee of civil society members to act as mediators.

We urge the PR and other opposition parties – as well as all voters - to be especially vigilant of BN tactics in putting up independent candidates – with or without party affiliation.  Such a strategy will be employed with the intention of splitting the opposition vote.  This election ploy has been used by the BN during previous elections and is likely to feature strongly in the coming elections especially in East Malaysia.

Finally, we feel strongly that the voters in the country want a clear choice between the BN and PR in the coming elections. Therefore in the spirit of “Ketuanan Rakyat” espoused by the PR, we intend to use our collective influence and clout – publicly as well as behind the scenes - to ensure that the opposition parties avoid three corner contests at all cost.   

Issued by Group of Concerned Citizens:-

1.       Ahmad Syukri Ab Razab

2.     Al-Jafree Md. Yusop

3.     Anne Ooi

4.    Arthur Toh

5.     Bernard Khoo

6.    Dr.Azmi Sharom

7.     Dr. Lim Teck Ghee

8.     Dr.Kua Kia Soong

9.    Dr.Toh Kin Woon

10.Dave Low

11.    Fuad Rahmat

12.  Haris Ibrahim

13.  Ho Yock Lin

14. Janice Ti

15.  Jayanath Appudurai

16. Kee Thuan Chye