A FORMER Universiti Malaya student activist and close relative of a top leader in the country is set to lead a new political party focusing on the welfare of every Malaysian regardless of race or religion, sources said.

The former student activist, who was an Internal Security Act (ISA) detainee, is determined to amass support from pro-democracy activists, including those from the left-wing as well as political activists from Sabah and Sarawak.

For now, the party’s leaders and founding members have chosen to remain anonymous until an announcement is made at a press conference next week. They have sent their application to the Registrar of Societies (ROS) and are waiting for the approval.

A founding member told The Malaysian Insight they are confident the application to register as a political party will be approved by ROS.

“As long as you state clearly your objectives and you have met the requirements set by ROS, there is no reason why they must reject the application,” the member said.

He said the former student activist has already met with several prominent individuals such as academics, economists, political activists and business tycoons.

“Engagement with academics, political activists, economists, current and past politicians has already been made. The party has also met with representatives from Sabah and Sarawak,” the founding member said.

“He was a well-known figure among student activists in the ’70s and ’80s. He was close to Anwar Ibrahim, Hishamuddin Rais and Ibrahim Ali, just to name a few,” the source said.

“He was part of the Baling demonstration where students protested together on the issue of declining rubber prices.

The source described the ex-student activist as a bright and outspoken individual who has written several books and who is also well-known among Umno, PKR, DAP, PAS and Amanah members.

“He has that leftist spirit in him where the poor and ordinary citizens must be defended,” the source said.

Another source close to the party said several independent lawmakers are also set to join the party.

“We have met many individuals from various backgrounds. We have also met with Muda and Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM).

“Independent MPs have expressed intention to join us too. Further details can only be disclosed after the party is officially launched,” the second source said.

The Malaysian Insight learnt that the new party will not be part of Pakatan Harapan or the opposition.

“We have our own structure. There is going to be more than one deputy president, as well as vice presidents.

“There will be advisers to the party, which is the same concept like the council of eminent persons but they are not tied up to the party and the advisers are experts in several fields.”

Both sources said details and objectives of the party will be explained on the launching day.

“The man leading the party will surprise everyone but we are ready to explain to the people the reason behind the formation of this party,” one source added. – October 1, 2021.