Charter

GABUNGAN BERTINDAK MALAYSIA (GBM)

Introduction

In the early days after independence of Persekutuan Tanah Melayu in 1957 and the formation of Malaysia in 1963, this nation was seen as a model nation for other developing countries. Blessed with an abundance of natural resources, and endowed with an educational system noted for academic excellence and avid sportsmanship, we made rapid economic and social progress. Our educational and health indicators were close to the level of developed nations. However, along the way our democratic system with good governance began to deteriorate into an increasingly authoritarian regime. Not surprisingly, this has led to increasing political turmoil and public insecurity as well as deteriorating inter-ethnic relations.

The dynamism of Malaysia as a nation-state has been severely impeded by pernicious issues: Rampant social injustice, rabid communal polarisation, and the denial of ethnic and cultural diversity. Most damaging of all, the very foundations of democracy and civil liberties as enshrined in our Constitution have been systematically undermined. The independence of the judiciary has been compromised through the circumvention of laws to serve the powers that be. The unsustainable exploitation of our rich natural habitat, and the denial of the rights of our indigenous people demand our immediate attention. It is timely, appropriate and critical that we review the very fundamentals on which our nation was founded. All Malaysians need to be reminded of their duty, to preserve and to cherish at all times, the dynamism and sanctity of our blessed nationhood.

GBM is a coalition of NGOs, united and committed to the goal of addressing the critical issues and challenges facing 21st Century Malaysia. It is an opportune time for Malaysians to be reminded of the country’s unique history and diversity; its varied yet rich cultural heritage. All Malaysians ought to take ownership, to realize the full potential of the country as a bountiful and blessed nation. With the expressed objective of striving towards a better Malaysia for its peoples, the theme of GBM, ‘From Discord to Harmony’ encapsulates the monumental challenges and overwhelming commitments that lie ahead. It will also be a celebration of the human spirit, in expressing our constitutional rights as citizens of a nation moving forward towards the ideal of an inclusive nation that is founded on justice and fairness.

List of GBM 25 Organisation Members?

• Kuala Lumpur & Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (KLSCAH)
• Aliran
• Tamil Foundation
• Pertubuhan IKRAM Malaysia (IKRAM)
• Majlis Perundingan Malaysia Agama Buddha; Krisitian; Hindu; Sikh dan Tao (MPMA-BKHST)
• Negeri Sembilan Chinese Assembly Hall (NSCAH)
• Penang Chinese Town Hall (PGCTH)
• The Federation of Chinese Associations Johore State (FCAJ)
• Lim LianGeok Cultural Development Centre (LLG) United Chinese School Alumni Associations of Malaysia (UCSAAM) Muslim Professionals Forum (MPF)
• Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM)
• Pusat Komunikasi Masyarakat (KOMAS)
• Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia (SABM) Persatuan Masyarakat Selangor dan Wilayah Persekutuan (Permas)
• National Indian Rights Action Team (NIAT)
• People’s Green Coalition (PGC)
• Anak Muda Sarawak (AMS)
• All Women’s Action Society (AWAM)
• Partners in Community Organising (Pacos Trust)
• Persatuan Bekas Siswazah Universiti dan Kelej di China, Malaysia (Liu-Hua)
• Nanyang University Alumni Malaya (Nanda)
• Japan Graduates Association, Malayia (JAGAM)
• Gabungan Persatuan Alumni Universiti Taiwan Malaysia (GPAUTM)
• Islamic Renaissance Front (IRF)