KeADILan - Factions or Principles

What's behind a name? Does it stand for the quality of a product, its origin and makers or is it just lip-service to a concept?

In today's fast moving world of constant change at both the national and international scene, the National Justice Party (keAdilan) was a ray of hope and for many it was like seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. But because keAdilan has become so much a part of our lives, we tend to take it for granted. Yet we have a fascinating tale behind us. How we first came into being and when we first planted our roots into the political arena. We have in a relatively short time permeated every fabric of society; from Kangar to the long houses in Sarawak our logo is now recognized as a symbol against injustice.

KeAdilan is now being scrutinized by the media and we are the talk of the town. The BN propaganda machinery is going at full throttle. Our members, whether at the grass root or leadership level are easy prey to this one-sided commentary.

If we think back to our rather short history, with the arrest of Dato Sri Anwar Ibrahim, keAdilan was set up with the high aspirations of fighting for justice, fairness and goodness. The Malay middle class shift in thinking, along with the other races has changed the balance of power. Yes - one of our aims is to free Anwar. Why? Because the whole episode was a clear set up and abuse of power that made even the ordinarily placid Malaysian feel sick to the stomach. Any clear thinking, right minded person will disagree with the judgements passed by the courts. The evidence itself was so overwhelmingly false and the main prosecution witnesses themselves were caught with their pants down! The trial itself was a real eye-opener to the general public regarding the due process of law and how controlled our judiciary really is.

Apart from the Anwar Issue, keAdilan as a political party also stands against corruption, cronyism, nepotism, racism, over zealous police force . . . . . . .. . and many other issues that the Malaysian public can relate to. But we must be realistic and accept that there are problems within the party. Only through meaningful and serious discussion can we accomplish our political aims.

Lawan tetap lawan

This is our cry wherever we go. Our main enemy is the BN and all efforts must be focused on this. Let us not get distracted over groups and factions. This kind of shortsighted thinking can ultimately destroy the party. Those who want to leave for whatever reasons, must be free to do so. But don't criticize us from the outside. We will not crumple and disintegrate with a few people leaving.

"Lawan tetap lawan" should not be used to fight among ourselves and provide entertainment for the real enemy. Groups like JIM, ABIM, various NGOs, ex-UMNO, reformists and a lot of ordinary people have come together in the spirit of idealism to form this party. They have all contributed their energy and resources to the party. We acknowledge and appreciate their sacrifices. But most importantly, they must now all put aside their affiliations to whatever group they come from and work for the good of KeAdilan. Here we are all one - with the main aim to change the BN government. The party's agenda must be given paramount importance over all other issues.

KeAdilan's struggle is tiring, time consuming and requires a lot of sacrifice, be it monetary, physical or family. Some of our members do not seem to have the energy to sustain the fight. Here, the only reward that awaits you is a night in prison or a longer term in Kamunting. This is the sacrifice that we must be prepared to make.

It is interesting to note how some members of KeAdilan, are saying that they are relinquishing all their posts - just when the Persidang Agung Tahunan is due.

In the coming elections, there has been accusations of 'factions'. This is nothing new or unusual in any election. UMNO had camp A and camp B, MCA seems to have 2 camps and so does MIC. Campaigning is part of the democratic process. Those who want to stay out of leadership position can still serve the party as ordinary members. There is so much work to do.

Our party needs to be given time to mature. As we go through this time of change and uncertainty, let us try to stay focused and concentrate on the issues at hand. We will come out stronger and more united in the long run. We should put aside petty politics and get to the crux of the matter. . No one person is indispensable, nor should individuals hold the party to ransom.

I sincerely believe that our party will triump, with or without the factions. The delegates that are coming to the Persidang Agung Tahunan are politically mature and are aware of what is happening. They will exercise their right to vote with courage and belief in the democratic system of the National Justice Party.

The party must now pay attention to the coming elections. We need to draw out agendas and take a more positive and consistent stand. KeAdilan must stay credible and principled - and not practice what we accuse our opponents of doing. I must honestly say that we have not given good answers to some of the urgent issues that are now taking place. Just calling ourselves multiracial is simply not good enough. Our leaders at all levels must make a real attempt to inculcate multiracialism at the branch and state levels. Let us not treat our Chinese and Indian members as 'window dressing' or for appearance sake only. There is much dissatisfaction at the ground level and we must pay attention to this serious problem.

Afghanistan. WTC and the Taliban must be discussed openly and KeAdilan has to come out with a consistent stand. As Khalid Jaffar wrote in the Berita Keadilan, "Situasi di Malaysia adalah situasi yang unik Bahasa politik yang digunakan oleh aktivis Islam di-Mesir, atau di Pakistan ataupun di Iran atau pun di Afghanistan oleh Taliiban tidak boleh digunakan di Malaysia. Umat Islam Malaysia perlu merumus bahasa politiknya yang tersendiri yang sesuai dengan suasana masyarakan Malaysia yang makmuk yang menuntut bahasa politik yang eksklusif." This issue alone had polarized the Malaysian rakyat. Let us heed the advice of Dato Seri Anwar in his latest article in the Times Magazine, " Intellectuals and politicians must have the courage to condemn fanatism in all its forms. But they must in the same breath, equally condemn the tyrants and oppressive regimes that dash every hope of peaceful change".

Dr Xavier Jayakumar

National Justice Party Supreme Council Member