GEORGE TOWN: A group of former politicians have teamed up to form a new non-governmental organisation (NGO) aimed at promoting a healthier political environment in Malaysia.
Spokesman Chew Seng Tung said the group, dubbed the RESET Alliance, was set up to push for a political “reset” and encourage more rational, people-centred discourse.
“The country needs a political ‘reset’ to move away from divisive and unhealthy politics.
“RESET stands for reboot and reset.
“We believe Malaysia has reached a moment where pressing the reset button is necessary.
“For far too long, politicians, whether from Pakatan Harapan, Barisan Nasional, or Perikatan Nasional have continuously exploited racial and religious issues to create division and conflict.
“This unhealthy political culture has severely hindered national progress and eroded trust among communities.
“Enough is enough,” he told a press conference at a restaurant in Pengkalan Weld on Monday (April 6).
Chew, a former PRM candidate for Pengkalan Kota, was accompanied by former Tanjung Bungah assemblyman and Penang PRM chairman Teh Yee Cheu, as well as former Parti Warisan candidate Martin Lim.
Former Pulau Tikus assemblyman Koay Teng Hai, who is among the founding members, was not present.
Chew said the alliance would focus on promoting rational political discourse centred on the people’s wellbeing, while advocating unity, accountability and good governance.
He said RESET Alliance intended to carry out its advocacy through peaceful and non-violent means, including education, public dialogue, policy advocacy and civic engagement.
He added that the organisation was still in the process of applying for official NGO registration, but a logo for it is ready.
“We call on all who love this country and want the next generation to live in a more united and prosperous environment to join us,” he said.
At the same press conference, the group also questioned the Unity Government’s Madani Mart initiative, claiming it resembled the former Barisan-era Kedai Rakyat 1Malaysia (KR1M) concept.
Chew claimed that both initiatives appeared to revolve around the same idea of offering essential goods at lower prices through community-based retail outlets.
He questioned whether the government was now contradicting its earlier criticisms of KR1M, which Pakatan leaders had previously described as ineffective and a waste of public funds.
“Madani Mart is essentially a rebranded version of KR1M. The public is not foolish.
“If this is just old wine in a new bottle, it will only further damage the government’s credibility,” he said.
Chew also raised concerns that the initiative could create unfair competition for small grocery shops and mini-markets, many of which already operate on thin profit margins.
