PETALING JAYA: Lawyer-activist Siti Kasim (pic) has joined Parti Bangsa Malaysia (PBM), a move she said is to bring “change from within”.
Describing it as a new chapter in her fight for a fairer, freer and more inclusive Malaysia, Siti said she believes the country deserves politics that puts people first and the rights or dignity of citizens should not depend on their race, religion or connections.
“Until now, I have never joined a political party. My independence has always been precious to me – the freedom to speak my mind, act according to my conscience and stand up for what is right, regardless of who holds power.
“I agreed to join PBM because its leadership has agreed to respect that independence,” she said in a Facebook post yesterday.
Siti added that she will remain free to express her views and pursue the causes she believes in.
“My principles and my voice are not conditions I am prepared to surrender for political membership.
“For years, I have fought for the rights of Orang Asli, constitutional freedoms, equality and people whose voices are too often ignored.
“I want to bring that commitment to a political platform and help turn those struggles into meaningful change,” she said.
Siti affirmed that joining a party does not mean giving anyone a free pass.
“I will continue to speak up against injustice and hold those in power accountable, including those on my own side.
“My principles remain the same. My commitment is, and will always be, to the people of Malaysia,” she added.
When contacted, Siti said among her main reasons for entering politics is to bring change from within.
“I believe that if I want to contribute to change, I have to be in Parliament and push for them while also pushing leaders to make these changes,” she said.
She revealed that the sole condition she made before agreeing to join PBM was that there would be no hindrance to her in continuing the issues she had fought for over the years.
Siti said PBM is also her choice as she believes the party has no political baggage.
“To me, leaving a party because you no longer believe in its struggle reflects someone with principles,” she said, adding that she also strongly backs the implementation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963, which PBM has always pushed for.
