KLANG: Parti Bangsa Malaysia (PBM) today stressed that it was time for all race and religion-based politics to end and for every Malaysian to move forward as a nation.
Its vice-president, Dr Shatish Kumar said every Malaysian, regardless of race, religion and creed should feel that this is their nation and this must be the future narrative.
"I decided to join PBM as it is a new page in our political arena and the party's ideology resonates with what I believe in.
"I feel most mainstream political parties have parochial ideologies and none are geared towards nation building.
"Even the existing multiracial parties are only for name's sake and the racism practiced in those parties is an open secret and not subtle after all," he said when met here recently.
He said PBM emphasised on multiracialism as one of its core values, which is something other parties took lightly.
"To move forward as a nation, we need to build nationhood. I believe PBM is the right party with the will to achieve this. Besides, this the only party that gives a constitutional guarantee to field youth and women leaders in the election.
"That is very reassuring for young leaders like me who believe in harnessing the power of women and youth for our country to progress," he said.
As an ex-PKR member, Dr Shatish said he disagreed that PBM was just another multiracial party like those in Pakatan Harapan.
"PBM offers something PH failed to offer. PBM from the very beginning sets a precedence of equal representation of multiracial and also balanced representation of Borneo leadership.
"Besides, we have a provision in our party constitution to give mandatory 30 per cent representation to youths and women in the elections," he said.
He said PBM is formed by six pillars which multiracial engagement, women's empowerment, youth empowerment, economic development, education and the advancement of science and technology.
"This ideology is unique and we are really committed to it. There is no rhetoric and there is nothing to emotionally charge the people and cloud their judgement.
"We let people evaluate our ideology, work and commitment and make their own decision. Ultimately voters decide if we are the right choice for a progressive Malaysia," he said.
On the party's future, Dr Shatish said winning elections and coming into power is the ultimate goal of every political party.
"Right now, we are getting strong support from people with increasing membership on a daily basis. Our main agenda at the moment is geared towards membership and rooting into every nook and corner of the nation.
"Participation in GE 15 shall be decided by consensus from the higher council of the party.
"I urge more youths and professional who believe in our ideology to join PBM and work towards a better Malaysia," added Dr Shatish, who is a cardiologist by profession.