Civil Society Organisations and
Change:
A
Collaborative Approach
-
Zaid
Kamaruddin -
[Editor’s note] This article is written by Mr. Zaid Kamaruddin, delegate and Vice President of Gabungan Bertindak Malaysia (GBM) specially for “NGOs・Parliamentary Struggle・ Democracy and Human Rights” forum in commemoration of the 12th Anniversary of Sahabat Rakyat Working Committee held on 20 October 2013 at Cathay Restaurant, Kulai.
1.0 An
Overview
The dominant ideology today is
Liberalism. It believes that man is naturally good and as such develops a
system that is broadly based on freedom and less of control. The roots of
Liberalism are:
1. The Civil State: Representative Government
2. Religious Toleration
3. The Spirits of the Laws
4. Government is a Necessary Evil
5. Freedom through the General Will
6. Natural Law and the Economy: The Doctrine
of Laissez Faire
7. The Doctrine of the Rights of Man
8. The Belief in Progress
Though these fundamental ideas originated
in the eighteen century we can still recognise them embedded in the system
practiced today. Despite changes over the centuries, broadly speaking, we still
have a system where the politics is Democracy, the economy is Capitalism (or
Market or Open Economy) and the socio-cultural system is based on individual
freedom.
2.0 Observations
on Liberalism
For the system to work efficiently it
relied on the good nature of man and the inherent equilibrium within the
system. Both are suspects.
Man’s good nature is not nurtured within
the educational and social system. In fact we can sense a dislike for things
“moral”. Ethics cannot replace a good moral compass in man. How then can we
explain the pervasive lack of integrity and rampant social ills? In the end society
had to rely on legislations and enforcement. Huge resources had to be spent on
law enforcement, judicial and penal institutions. And still society is not
safe.
Democracy institutes a check-and-balance
mechanism within the system. To start of with, we have separation of powers
between the legislative, executive and judiciary. This is important in ensuring
justice. In practice it is obvious that independence of each arm is difficult
to achieve; it is easy for the executive to bear on others.
We may have the government and the
opposition but that does not necessarily ensure good debate or scrutiny as the
majority will always have their way. If we have a hung parliament, we may have
paralysis.
Most telling on the community is the
power of capital. Competition is supposed to provide better product and
services and consumer power is supposed to act as a balancing force. It is
pretty obvious that big companies with capital at their disposal much bigger
than our yearly budget is not about to be rein in easily. Capital ranges freely
and globally, had no nationality and no legislation can keep up with it.
Legislation would sometime come after the harm had been done.
The Fourth Estate, the mass media is
supposed to play and important role. However they are seldom for the people;
more for the interest of their owners. The advent of internet may be the only
glimmer of hope on the side of the people.
3.0 The Role
of Civil Society Organisations
CSOs are potentially the closest ally of
the people. Their activists are generally perceived to be more selfless and
principle-centred. They can be the voice of the people. It can play a big role
for change. Overseas, CSOs got rid of dictators and change systems. Even though
somebody else usually ended up leading the country, the role played by CSOs is
very important.
Even when they are not fermenting
revolution they can provide relief and services to the needy. They may choose
to advocate for justice, freedom and good governance (stewardship, integrity,
accountability and transparency). The more people are involved in CSOs the more
empowered the society becomes. It is becoming even more important to stand up
for our rights now.
The problem with CSOs is that they are
not big and not well resourced. Many are single issue organisations. Many are
representing a single community or ideology. We have even NGOs formed by
political parties or formed to support political parties. This scenario may
lead us to cancelling each others’ good efforts.
Whatever the case may be, it is very
important to improve our organisations. Some ideas for improvement are as
follows:
1. Consider a new mind-set; think like a
Statesman, think Malaysian, go for mutual benefits.
2. Rally the organisation; chart out our
organisational values, role and purpose strategy.
3. Position the organisation; in the middle
ground, principle-centredness (peace, justice, freedom).
4. Engage
with others; build relationship (reaching-out, knowing each other, confidence building),
solidarity and cooperation.
5. Build
a good organisational profile; good track-record
4.0 Collaborative
Approach
Collaborative effort improves
effectiveness. Some ground-breaking coalitions of CSOs from our recent past are
as follows (list not exhaustive):
1. GERAK Formed in the after the sacking of DSAI from
the government in 1998. Chaired by the then president of PAS. Members include
DAP, PSRM and many NGOs. Its launching in Taman Melewar saw the biggest crowd
at the venue thus far and recorded the biggest amount of donation collected.
Probably paved the way for Barisan Alternatif and Pakatan Rakyat.
2. GMI Gerakan Mansuhkan ISA was formed by
NGOs and political parties but generally run by NGOs. One of the longest
operating coalitions. Can be credited with abolishing the ISA.
3. Bersih
2.0 Started by political
parties but later run by NGOs. Saw two very big peaceful protests in KL.
Coordinated demonstration by Malaysian around the globe.
4. GBM Gabungan Bertindak Malaysia, a coalition
of 25 NGOs, unique for its multi-ethnic, multi-religious and crossing geographical
boundary. A microcosm of Malaysia. A structured coalition with an agreed
15-point charter. A coalition seeking a constructive approach to make Malaysia
better.
5. Bantah
TPPA Badan Bertindak Bantah TPPA
was formed this year.
5.0 The GBM
Experience
Most coalitions were formed to campaign
for a specific issue or in order to face a specific threat. GBM stands out as a
coalition that seeks to tackle a wide range of issues.
GBM’s Chairman, Mr. Tan Yew Sing sums up
the GBM experience in his opening speech to the 2013 General Assembly,
“Our coalition is unique in that it was
not formed to demand or fight for a specific issue. We congregate for a common
cause “to make Malaysia better!”. Our components reflect the diversity of the
Malaysian society in term of ethnicity, religion, ideology and geography.
Amongst us are huge organisations and minnows, rich and poor, ladies and
gentlemen, where everybody are welcomed, where each organisation contributes
according to their ability.
Our 15-point Charter smoothens our path,
our Rules and Regulations guided our operation and, our objectivity and sense
of justice and fairness underline our actions. Our group is blessed with people
who can transcend their organisations’ interest to go for the common good. On
top of that we are gelling well and all meetings are productive and happy
occasions.
In this past year we have learned that
what is good for all is also evidently good for each of us and our community.
What is good for a particular community can also be good for all.
We have also learned that we can achieve
more by advocating together causes that may apparently concerned a particular
community.
We have learned the importance of
understanding each other, of our likes and dislikes, priorities, worries and
things that makes us happy. Our next challenge would be to extend this
understanding to our constituencies.
If we can make GBM work, it would be a
great contribution to our country.
GBM works in the realm of the civil
society. We are not for gains but there to serve. We are potentially closer and
more sensitive to the needs of the people (rakyat). If politics can be very
divisive, we can be the unifying factor.”
6.0 Concluding
Remarks
CSOs have a big role to play in society.
A vibrant civil society can be a third force for the good of the community.
Working in coalition would enhance its effectiveness.
Appendix: GBM Charter
GABUNGAN BERTINDAK MALAYSIA (GBM)
Building a Better Malaysia
Preamble
Since the independence of Persekutuan
Tanah Melayu in 1957 and the formation of Malaysia in 1963, the nation has
evolved into a dynamic multi-ethnic nation with progress in many sectors.
We salute the sacrifice, tolerance and
accommodation of all communities in the developmental phase that has brought
about stability, progress and peace to our nation.
Moving forward, the nation should
aspire for human progress based on the principles of peace, justice, fairness
and freedom that will transcend ethnicity, colour or creed.
Cherishing our constitutional rights of
fundamental liberties, we shall create an inclusive nation that is founded on
justice and fairness.
Commitment
We are committed to work together for
reform and improvements in the following areas:
1.
Good Governance
Promote good stewardship, integrity,
accountability and transparency in the public, private and civil society
sectors. Ensure zero tolerance of corruption.
2.
Politics
Politics must be seen as a service to
the nation and its people. People in power must be elected through a clean,
free and fair election by informed electorate. Strict separation of party and
government must be observed.
3.
Judiciary
The total independence of the judiciary
is paramount in ensuring justice.
4.
Federalism
Political and economic power must be
decentralized so that the States have greater autonomy and control of
resources.
5.
Local Government
Enhance participatory democracy at all
levels including elections for local authorities, mukim and villages.
6.
Public Services
Public Services must be delivered to
the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and efficiency to earn the
respect and trust of the People.
7.
Economics
Economic growth must put people before
profit and must be environmentally sustainable. There must be equitable
distribution of wealth to eradicate poverty, end marginalization and ensure the
welfare of the People. Any affirmative action should be based on needs and not
ethnicity.
8.
Environment
Strive towards a society in harmony with
nature and where there is environmental justice for all. Promote development
that is socially just, economically viable and ecologically sustainable.
9.
Education
Reaffirm the need for a
holistic-educational system that produces knowledgeable persons with integrity;
ensure mother tongue education and equitable and just treatment for schools of
all streams in the educational system.
10.
Women’s Rights
Affirm gender justice based on
international instruments that provide substantive equality to women, with
opportunities and access in nation-building by eliminating discrimination and
systemic prejudices.
11.
Indigenous People’s Rights
Recognise the rights of the indigenous
people to their land and resources and ensure that they practice their culture
freely.
12.
Culture
Respect diversity of cultures and
encourage inter-cultural engagement.
13.
Religion
Uphold freedom to practice religion as
provided for by the Federal Constitution. Promote understanding and harmony
amongst adherents of all different religions.
14.
Media
Provide greater media freedom where the
media is unfettered by over regulation. Responsible and diverse perspectives
must be allowed to be aired. There shall be freedom of expression and freedom
to access and publish information.
15.
National Unity
National unity must be premised on the heterogeneous
nature of our society and be forged through promotion of the principles of
equality, based on the true spirit of muhibbah, genuine respect and mutual
understanding.
Related article of this forum:
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2. 民间组织 必须掌握议会斗争; 建立联合阵线 力争民主人权
3. 自由是踩界踩出来的, 公义是抗争抗出来的
4. Mesej daripada Presidium--Sahabat Rakyat Working Committee melangkah maju ke satu era yang baru pada tahun 2013
5. Civil Society Organisations and Change: A Collaborative Approach
6. Pertubuhan Masyarakat Harus Kuasai Perjuangan Berparlimen; Membentuk Barisan Persatuan, Perjuangkan Demokrasi & Hak Asasi Manusia!
7. Liberty through Challenging Boundaries, Justice through Resisting
Related article of this forum:
1. 人民之友工委会在2013年迈入新的里程碑 ——人民之友工委会成立12周年纪念主席团献词
2. 民间组织 必须掌握议会斗争; 建立联合阵线 力争民主人权
3. 自由是踩界踩出来的, 公义是抗争抗出来的
4. Mesej daripada Presidium--Sahabat Rakyat Working Committee melangkah maju ke satu era yang baru pada tahun 2013
5. Civil Society Organisations and Change: A Collaborative Approach
6. Pertubuhan Masyarakat Harus Kuasai Perjuangan Berparlimen; Membentuk Barisan Persatuan, Perjuangkan Demokrasi & Hak Asasi Manusia!
7. Liberty through Challenging Boundaries, Justice through Resisting
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