By Danial Dzulkifly
PETALING JAYA, Sept 21 — The Reformasi movement, born out of the injustice faced by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim 25 years ago, was always intended to usher in positive structural changes for the nation, stated Parti Keadilan Rakyat (Keadilan) vice-president Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari.
This remains a central goal, especially now with Keadilan being an integral part of the Unity Government helmed by Anwar. He added that party leaders remained true to their foundational ideals and have not lost sight of their initial mission.
Amirudin said contrary to the narrative propagated by political adversaries, particularly Perikatan Nasional (PN), the Reformasi movement remains very much active and vibrant.
“Some argue that Reformasi is dead, in response to recent decisions made by the Unity government, but these individuals seem to fear the reform movement and resist change.
“Why do they wish for this movement to fail? It is because movements like these have ushered in numerous changes.
“Their impact is not solely measured by political success in securing a three-fourths or two-thirds majority in government, but is rooted in the spirit and faith of ordinary people in the movement,” he said.
Amirudin was speaking at the quarter-century celebration of Reformasi and the launch of Selangor Keadilan’s Annual General Meeting for their division, youth and women’s wings at Dewan Sivik MBPJ, here, last night.
Recalling the trials and tribulations faced by Anwar, from his dismissal as deputy prime minister by then prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad in 1998 to the physical abuse while in police custody, Amirudin commended the Keadilan president’s resilience in his struggle to bring much-needed change to Malaysia.
He added that Reformasi was the second most significant political event in the country’s history, following independence on August 31, 1957.
Another pivotal reform is the movement’s emphasis on preventing the undue concentration of power in any single individual’s hands, consistent with the separation of powers as defined in the Federal Constitution
The movement played a key role in ending Barisan Nasional’s (BN) rule and ushering in the current political changes.
This is due to the formation of Keadilan in 1998, which champions a more united Malaysia for all races and promotes a people-centric economy, said Amirudin.
“Anwar initiated this movement. As long as the public continues to advocate for a human-centric economy, the spirit of Reformasi endures.
“We have never before witnessed a government that offers both financial support and protection to its citizens.
“Thus, whenever anyone promotes a human-centric economy, we pay tribute to Reformasi and to Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim,’’ he said.
The event last night was attended by over 1,000 Selangor Keadilan members, along with representatives from DAP, Amanah and Umno.
Concluding his speech, Amirudin said bringing together the diverse communities within the country is at the heart of the movement, and this is especially crucial now as it confronts the challenges posed by fervent nativist politics that have fanned the flames of racial and religious tensions.
“It is disheartening to witness such political narratives being propagated amongst the youth. As we navigate the post-pandemic challenges, it is imperative we come together to establish political stability, sidestepping political machinations.
“Our primary aim is to safeguard our nation, which is why a Unity Government, composed of 18 parties, has been established to drive Malaysia’s progress,’’ he said.
