Jelapang, Sunday 7th. October 2007
This morning, Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) launched yet another new branch as well as a service centre in Jelapang, a town located between Ipoh and Chemor. As early as 9am, PSM National leaders as well as new Branch committee members distributed leaflets in three languages informing the people about the new PSM service center in the busy Jelapang wet market as well as visited shops and residents staying in the town. The Town was also blazing with the PSM's red flag on both sides of the main road.
Many local residents were delighted and welcomed PSM's opening of the service centre. People can be seen shaking hands with words of encouragement in PSM's move to open a service centre in this area.
PSM is no stranger to Jelapang and for the record, since 1998, PSM and its front organization Alaigal have handled many issues in Jelapang. Among them are:
Many factory workers issues were also handled successfully.
As M.Saraswathy, PSM National Deputy Chairperson who initiated the new Branch as well as being made the new Chair of the Branch said 'After 10 years working in the area on various issue affecting the poor and marginalized, finally, Parti Sosialis Malaysia branch was initiated by the people who have gained from the struggle championed by PSM,' The local community have also raised funds to maintain and built the party in this area. The official opening of the office and the Service centre commenced at 10.30am, more than 200 people gathered below a shop lot house decorated with PSM flags with clanged fist. The event started with high spirits with the singing of the Internationale.
The crowd was then warmly welcomed by Comrade Chin Koy Yong, the Secretary of the Branch and was followed by speech from Comrade Heam whose ability to orate in Mandarin pulled people from the surrounding area to listen. Dr. Nasir Hashim, chairperson of PSM also give a speech and he stressed the importance of the poor and oppressed people to work hand in hand to bring changes to the current system. He then proceeded to launch and officiate the new branch office by pulling a string and a giant banner of PSM filled the wall surrounded with shouts of 'Long live the Peoples Struggle, Long live socialism'.
'Why do we need another political party?' This was the question posed by Comrade Dr. Kumar, the chairperson of Sg. Siput branch in his speech. He explained the need for another party that does not use race and religion to get support but genuinely focusing on issues affecting the working people in the country. He said only such party would able to pose challenge to the current ruling government! He stressed that PSM is not a seasonal party and PSM takes the struggle of the oppressed very serious and all that, is only possible with the people's support!
Comrade Raja from Meru Tin caused a stir when he asked PSM to field a candidate and even named Comrade Saraswathy who was an activist for the past 30 years. This brought tremendous applause of approval from the people. Other branch members and local committees also took the opportunity to give souvenirs to the Jelapang Branch leadership for their new office.
The program ended with an inspiring song and speech by no other that Comrade Segar, who seems to be very popular among the local people. The event ended with food which came in various variety organized by the local community. Many people visited the new office, made inquiries and some have already come forward to address the grouses to the new Branch.
As Comrade Mohanarani said in her speech, it is not easy to open a branch and it is not easy at all to develop a branch. It's even harder to put promises to reality. Only hardworking, committed and principally strong comrades can make that come true. Our red salute to comrades in Jelapang!
Released by
Letchimi Devi