PETALING JAYA, 11 Dec: Senator Dr Syed Husin Ali described Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as a symbol of the people’s movement towards change and unity in this country.
This is because according to him, Anwar, who is also the PKR Opposition Leader, is a key medium in voicing and bringing the people’s needs of wanting political, economic and social change in Malaysia.
He said that the people’s acceptance of Anwar as an icon of change has sparked concern amongst leaders of Umno-BN.
“In our desire for change, we are fortunate to have a leader who is greatly admired. The people accept him as a symbol and thus Umno-BN is too scared to hold the 13th General Elections (GE-13).
“In discussing events in Baling, Kedah in 1974, we have a symbol of leadership where he (Anwar) suffered tyranny imposed upon the Baling (freedom) fighters,” he said during the lecture that signified the commemoration of the demonstration in Baling at the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) Civic Hall, here last night.
The lecture was organized by the Keadilan Youth Wing (AMK) and was attended by activists including Prof Gurdial Singh, Kamarazzaman Yaakob and Syed Hamid Ali.
In the meantime, Syed Husin also called on the people to be united in the drive for change from the administrative angle after being ruled by Umno-BN for over 50 years.
He said that the question of unity does not only involve specific groups, but all parties should participate in it regardless of status, race or religion.
“The poverty status has yet to change even though it has been more than 50 years and in the same period of time, the government has not changed. We need to change and in the present situation, the people want change.
“The government is afraid of unity and change. The question unity is not between Umno and PAS, not between the Malay people only. If we want real unity, it has to involve all citizens from all walks of life,” he added.
