Malaysia

Malaysia’s intensifying social and political crisis has reached a new height. Weeks of chaotic infighting within the ruling coalition, which have involved the monarch, led to the de facto collapse of Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin’s majority in parliament. While the ruling class is splitting at the top, the youth are protesting on the streets, doctors are striking, and across the board, the masses are expressing discontent against the regime.

Peace and harmony – the crown jewels of any ruling class in every epoch. On July 9th, a 50-thousand strong demonstration in the heart of Kuala Lumpur robbed the Malaysian ruling class of this peace and harmony. Organized by a coalition of NGOs and civil societies who call themselves the Bersih 2.0 coalition, the rally shook Malaysia to its core.

We have received a request for solidarity from activists in Malaysia involved in a protest bike ride and who have faced constant police harassment. We call on our readers to express support and take part in the protest aimed at the Malaysian authorities.

We have received this article from Malaysia about the campaign against the Internal Security Act 1960. The repressive Act is based on legislation introduced by the British imperialists in their struggle against communist insurgency, but 51 years after independence it is still being used by the Malaysian government. The struggle for democratic rights is part of the struggle for socialism and we appeal to all In Defence of Marxism readers to support the campaign.

Today August 31, Malaysia celebrates half a century of independence from British colonial rule.  At the age of 50, Malaysia still suffers from a deep ethnic and religious divide sown by imperialism. Today's problems are the legacy of colonial rule and continuing capitalist interests pitting ordinary working people against each other.

We recently interviewed comrade Kohila, a leading member of the Parti Sosialis Malaysia (Socialist Party of Malaysia), while she was over in London. Before the interview she asked us to explain what the International Marxist Tendency (IMT), is, in which countries it is based and what are its basic principles.