KUALA LUMPUR – Gerak Independent (GI) candidate Siti Kasim has hit back against those questioning the movement’s decision to wrest federal seats from Pakatan Harapan (PH) in the 15th general election (GE15).
Speaking to The Vibes at an event at the Batu area today, the lawyer and human rights activist lashed out against the coalition’s insistence that GI should back away from PKR held seats.
“Why do we (GI) have to make way for PKR instead of them giving spaces to us?
“They (PKR) have proved that they are unable to work in the direction of a better nation, so why shouldn’t GI be given a chance to show what we can do instead?” she questioned.
Siti, who is gunning for the Batu seat currently held by PKR Youth chief P. Prabakaran, also expressed her confidence in voters being supportive of the movement, alleging that the outcry from politicians does not reflect grassroot voices.
“The sentiment on the ground does not align with what the elites are claiming. We do not care about what these politicians are saying, we only care for the needs of the people,” she said.
While Siti said that she is open to the possibility of working with parties that share similar values, the movement has no plans to form alliances with either Barisan Nasional (BN) or Perikatan Nasional (PN).
The assurance comes in light of PKR members accusing the movement of being in cohorts with BN due to their targeting of PH strongholds.
PH seats that the candidates are currently gunning for include Batu, Petaling Jaya, Wangsa Maju and Kota Kinabalu.
“Through the pillars upheld by GI, we aim to repair the systemic problems in our government, which is what our current MPs should be doing.
“You cannot remedy the consequences that come about because of an issue if root problems such as corruption are not addressed,” she stressed, noting that the movement upholds principles such as equality for all and the separation of power.
The modest event today, which was organised by GI as an attempt to introduce and make Siti known to residents of the Batu area, saw about 20 people dropping by throughout the day to show their support for the activist.
Also in attendance were fellow GI candidates Raveentheran Suntheralingam who will be vying for the Wangsa Maju seat and former Sg Benut MP Mohd Tawfik Ismail who has yet to reveal the constituency he will be competing for.
Details of the “gathering with like-minded friends” held at Restaurant Kari Kepala Ikan E&O Sdn Bhd, Taman Wahyu had only been circulated through WhatsApp to communities nearby the area as the movement had not intended to host a large crowd.
Nonetheless, Siti said that she is glad with the turnout rate which saw the appearance of community leaders such as Taman Wahyu Chinese Association former chairman Ong Kean Eng and Villa Mas resident Vincent Yap.
Both men, like several other supporters who dropped by to convey their backing of the movement, shared the plights faced by their communities and lamented the authorities’ lack of consultation with residents when decisions on city planning are made.
Accompanied by Siti’s campaign manager Arun Dorasamy, who is also the Gabungan Seni Khat Action Team secretary, Indira Gandhi’s son Karan Dinish also arrived to show his support for Siti.
Describing Siti as “a wonderful woman”, Karan said that he believes having an independent voice in Parliament will have a huge impact on the politics of the nation.
“Siti has the potential to be a force that will change our political system in Malaysia and the GI movement definitely stands a fighting chance in GE15,” he said.
Besides that, youth activist Aidille Iman was also present by Siti’s side as a potential GI candidate.
Noting that his candidacy is not yet confirmed, the 25-year-old asserted his belief that he will be better able to carry out his plans for the nation as an independent candidate.
“I have many plans that I want to implement for the youths in Malaysia and as a candidate not tied to any particular party, I believe I can develop these ideas in a way where the people will actually benefit from them,” he said. – The Vibes, February 27, 2022
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