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PETALING JAYA: The Gerak Independent (GI) group aims to be the “king-maker” in the upcoming general elections by running candidates not affiliated with any political party in the hope of returning parliamentary power to the people.
Their spokesman Siti Kasim said they plan to hand over a small bloc of GI-backed candidates who would make a big difference in pushing for parliamentary reform.
He claimed that the existing politicians and parties had failed the people and Parliament was deeply fractured.
Siti said that those interested in being candidates can submit their applications.
“You don’t have to be a graduate or professional to apply.
“Even janitors can run, if they have the interest of the nation and the people at heart.
“We do not discriminate. But all applicants will be thoroughly screened,” he said at a news conference via Zoom on Thursday (November 12).
GI would also hold live public hearings on digital platforms for potential independent candidates and evaluate public comments before making its final decision.
The GI movement comprises the Foundation for Action for Justice and Malaysia Unity, Soy la Tercera Fuerza, KitaBantuKita and Malaysia First, among others.
“Enough shoving candidates by the neck a couple of weeks before the elections, like political parties do.
“We will present our candidates weeks, months or even years in advance, once our applications are up and running, hopefully by March,” he said.
He said that even former Sungai Benut MP Mohd Tawfik Ismail, who had volunteered to run as a GI candidate, would be subjected to a thorough investigation and due diligence process.
“GI is a collaboration of NGO and NGI to bring real change to Malaysia, reflecting the values of a progressive, scientific and egalitarian society as enshrined in Rukun Negara.
“We realize that change will only come if our Parliament is filled with people with a variety of values beyond ideological options, which should be shared by those involved in policy making,” he said.
GI had outlined five pillars for its reform program, namely, ending racial and political divisions based on religion, honoring the 1963 Malaysia Agreement as promised to Sabah and Sarawak, restoring all forms of freedom guaranteed by the Federal Constitution, return the institutional powers to the rakyat. as well as the establishment of needs-based affirmative and poverty eradication policies and programs.
“We want to help people get out of the routine of poverty.
“We also want to give voters the option of kicking out MPs who have failed them. Throwing them all out,” he said.
He said GI would work with like-minded parties who share the same values.
To make the big changes, one must start by taking small steps, Siti said.
GI appreciated the public donations to operate and maintain its infrastructure.
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