KOTA KINABALU: A push to forge a national alliance of independent candidates to contest all 222 parliamentary seats in the next general election is being spearheaded by social activists and a former politician.
Peninsular Malaysia-based social activist Datuk Raj Manickam, Sarawak indigenous rights advocate Peter John Jaban, and former Sabah DAP nominated assemblyman Datuk Ronnie Loh Ee Eng disclosed plans to establish a nationwide "Independent Alliance".
Announcing their strategy, the group proposed a Malaysian model of “One Country, Two Systems” within the constitutional framework to advocate for stronger state autonomy and participation.
They said their goal was to preserve national unity while ensuring decentralisation did not weaken federal stability, calling for reforms that balance federal and state powers.
“Our emphasis is for empowering states, preserving national unity, promoting constitutional decentralization, with stronger state participation for balanced regional development,” Loh said.
Manickam said that as independents, candidates would focus on grassroots issues without being bound by party politics.
“We will work with NGOs and other social groups to focus on issues concerning our constituencies to help people with priority for the elderly, handicap and youth,” he said.
Jaban said the platform offers voters a genuine alternative to champion local issues and hold the government accountable.
Manickam revealed he intends to contest the Selayang parliamentary seat, while Loh plans to run in Kota Kinabalu.
Jaban said he remains undecided and is keeping his options open, including the possibility of contesting a seat in Peninsular Malaysia rather than Sarawak.
The group invited individuals interested in contesting parliamentary seats under the independent umbrella to contact them.
