MCLM president Haris Ibrahim quits

PETALING JAYA (Jan 3, 2012): Malaysian Civil Liberty Movement (MCLM) president Haris Ibrahim (pix) yesterday announced his resignation from the post, citing disappointment with recent controversial statements made by its chairman, exiled-blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin.

Haris in a blog post, claimed Raja Petra's statements, published in an interview with an English daily, had contradicted the ideals on which the movement was formed in late 2010.

Haris claimed Raja Petra had undermined the movement's mission to create a single, united society, when the latter told the paper that "the Egypt-style people’s revolution was not an answer for Malaysia due to the delicate racial balance. They (Chinese voters) don’t want Tahrir Square type of change".

"These comments just referred to greatly undermine efforts I am making, albeit through MLCM, in the 'Anything But Umno' initiative," Haris said, adding that he is saddened by the fact that Raja Petra should continue to see Malaysians as "Malays, Chinese, Indians, and Others".

"I remain committed to all efforts to see this a nation of a single people, all equal," he said.

Haris also denied that the movement had decided not to field any candidates in the upcoming general elections, despite Raja Petra claiming so in the same interview.

"Matters of policy and direction of MCLM were to be determined and made after mutual consultation and consensus between us. I can confirm now that no such decision has been made after due consultation," he said.

He added that it was impossible for him to continue to serve MCLM as its president, in light of the circumstances.

"I have communicated my resignation to (Raja Petra) by email," he said.

Despite being labelled a "third force" to rival Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Rakyat in the movement's early days, both Haris and Raja Petra had insisted that the movement was meant as a pro-rakyat force, intending to empower civil society and initiate change.