Ex-MP launches reform group, says different from Bersih

A new movement, #MuafakatMY, was formed today calling for Malaysians to unite and work on the common ground issues towards finding resolution for problems plaguing the nation. Activist and law practitioner Yusmadi Yusoff, who initiated the movement, said he welcomed all stakeholders – political parties, non-governmental organisations, entrepreneurs and youth – to join. The former Balik Pulau MP said #MuafakatMY was different from Bersih 2.0 as it focuses on the broader issues mainly those involving systemic and institutional reform. "This movement is above political interests. It is for the greater good of the nation. We will focus on the economy, the rule of laws and security. These are issues affecting all of us," said Yusmadi. When asked if the movement would approach former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad who recently made similar call, Yusmadi said if the veteran leader was interested, he would be welcomed into the group with open arms. "Truthfully, I am Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's strong supporter. If you had asked me before, I will never work with Dr M. But now both of us have common issues to work on. I also share some of his opinions," said Yusmadi. Tun Dr Mahathir in early November had said that anyone interested in bringing change to the country should focus on removing the leadership first. He said this in response to a civil society leader who said the focus should be on reforming government institutions. The retired statesman admitted he was only concerned with ousting Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, and that changing the system should be left to the next leader. "As far as I'm concerned, I think unless the leadership is changed, don't expect change," Dr Mahathir told a press conference in Kuala Lumpur in November. He said this when asked to respond to social activist Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan's statement that she was willing to work with the former prime minister if he agreed to change the country's system of government instead of focusing solely in Najib's removal. Yusmadi who is also founder of RIGHTS, a regional law, diplomacy and charity group said, he would like to compliment Dr Mahathir for making the call. "This is where Muafakat is necessary. It is beyond collaboration or any personal interest. It is very fluid. There is a possibility that it can be abused but I strongly believe that if everyone work on those three common ground (rule of law, securities and economy) that I mentioned earlier, everything is possible for better Malaysia," he said. He said the word Muafakat has long been forgotten but it was a Malay formula that shows the depth of synergy that everything was possible if everyone would work together. Those interested were encouraged to follow Yusmadi at his Facebook page MuafakatBalikPulau or his Twitter @Yusmadi or hashtag #MuafakatMY or #Muafakat. – February 28, 2016.]]>