Parti Rakyat Malaysia
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The Malaysian People's Party (PRM, Parti Rakyat Malaysia in Malay) is a Malaysian political party. Parti Rakyat means People's Party in Malay.
Parti Rakyat was one of the oldest political parties in Malaysia. It was founded by Ahmad Boestaman and other independent fighters in November 11, 1955. Inspired by independent struggle in Indonesia led by Suharto, the party in its formative years subscribe to a Pan-Malay/Indonesia nationalism.
Unlike its contemporary UMNO (which later became the ruling party until today), Parti Rakyat demanded total independent from British colonialism.
In the 50s and 60s, Parti Rakyat forged a coalition with Parti Buruh (Labour Party) known as Socialist Front which dominated the local councils in Peninsular Malaysia. The growing power of the left resulted heavy crackdown by the UMNO government. Thousands of party leaders were then arrested under the Internal Security Act (ISA) which allowed indefinite detention without trial. The Socialist Front eventually dissolved under strong state repression. When racial riot broke out in 1969, the ruling UMNO consolidated its grip and local council election was abolished. Parti Rakyat lost it prominence in parliamentary politics.
In 1970s, under a new leadership of Kassim Ahmad, a university professional, Parti Rakyat adopted a more radical socialist ideology. Party constituition was amended and renamed Parti Sosialis Rakyat Malaysia (PSRM) or Malaysian People's Socialist Party.
Despite the transformation, PSRM failed to make inroad in parliamentary election. Its socialist outfit provided the state an excuse for more repression. Many of its leaders continued to be arrested and detained under ISA. The president, Kassim Ahmad himself was detained.
In 1989, the congress of PSRM reverted its name to the original Parti Rakyat Malaysia (PRM). However in Malaysian electoral system, the party was unable to gain any parliamentary seat. During the outbreak of Reformasi, the newly formed Parti Keadilan Nasional led by sacked Deputy Prime Minister Anwar ibrahim began to explore the possibility of merger between the two parties. However the merger was delayed by the refusal of the authorities. The two parties only officially merged in August 3, 2003. As a result of the merger, the party is now known as Parti Keadilan Rakyat Malaysia (People's Justice Party). Parti Rakyat Malaysia does not merge with Parti Keadilan Nasional. On 17 April, 2005, Parti Rakyat Malaysia members who are against merger held a National Congress in Johor Bahru and elected a new leadership to carry on the struggle of the party.
[edit] See also
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| Political parties in Malaysia |  |
| National Front:
United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) | Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) | Malaysian People's Movement Party (Gerakan) | Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) | People's Progressive Party (PPP) | United Traditional Bumiputera Party (PBB) | Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) | Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) | United Sabah Party (PBS) | Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) | United Sabah People's Party (PBRS) | United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation (UPKO) | Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party (SPDP) | Sarawak People's Party (PRS) |
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| Alternative Front:
Islamic Party of Malaysia (PAS) | People's Justice Party (PKR) |
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| Other Parties:
Democratic Action Party (DAP) | Malaysian People's Party (PRM) | Malaysian Workers' Party (PPM) | Malaysian Dayak Congress (MDC) | Pan Malaysian Islamic Front (BERJASA) | Sarawak National Party (SNAP) | Malaysian Indian Muslim Congress (KIMMA) | United Pasok Nunukragang National Organization (PASOK) | Community Coalition Congress (CCC) | Federated Sabah People's Front (BERSEKUTU) | United Democratic Sabah People's Power Party (SETIA) | State Reform Party (STAR) | Malaysian People's Justice Front (AKIM) | Malaysian Democratic Party (MDP) | All Malaysian Indian Progressive Front (AMIPF) | Punjabi Party of Malaysia (PPM) | Sarawak Native People's Party (PBDS) | Socialist Party of Malaysia (PSM) |
