Youth support for socialism growing, says PRM's Rohana Ariffin

KUALA LUMPUR: There is growing youth support for socialist ideology but still not many young people are keen to get involved in political parties and elections, says Parti Rakyat Malaysia chairman Dr Rohana Ariffin.

“This seems to be the general trend throughout the world where youths would support popular movement and demonstrations over pertinent issues but they are reluctant to be a member of a political party,” she said at the 45th PRM national congress on Sunday.

On PRM, Dr Rohana said although the party was small, it's presence was essential for the betterment of the people and in helping to solidify the progressive movement in the country.

“Being one of the oldest political parties since its inception in 1955, it has been and shall continue to play a very important role in trying to bring about unity of all the races in this diverse society," she said.

In the party's manifesto, PRM had urged for a proportional representation system (PR) instead of first-past-the post that gives advantage to bigger and financially-stronger parties.

"PRM's basic principle is that all voters deserve representation in the legislature. In other words everyone should have the right to fair representation.

"First-past-the-post system is akin to gambling. It has affected smaller parties. For PRM, it's due to it's inability to sponsor candidates and spread its campaign objectives," Dr Rohana said.

Dr Rohana said it was still a long and winding road for PRM and urged members to work harder especially in other states to rebuild some of PRM's past glories.

"Although PRM is now visible in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, it's existence in other states is still lacking.

"We have to soldier on. As the Malay proverb goes 'Biar putih tulang, jangan putih mata' (it is better to die fighting than to live crying in regret till the eyes becomes blind)," she added.

The congress was also attended by Parti Sosialis Malaysia leader Dr Nasir Hashim and its secretary-general S.Arutchelvan.