Former Gerakan leader supports PKR's agenda

Toh boost for Anwar Aug 20, 2008 - Malaysiakini Anwar Ibrahim's march back into Parliament received a huge boost today with the endorsement of the highly respected Dr Toh Kin Woon. Toh, who had just quit Gerakan on Monday, backed PKR for the Permatang Pauh seat - more importantly giving his thumbs up to their agenda more than their candidate. Although, Toh hopes that Anwar will return to Parliament to strengthen the opposition’s voice, it was the party's struggles which have impressed him the most. "I'm not here to support Anwar as an individual but I'm here because I back his programme. His agenda, which emphasises good governance, transparency, is against corruption and is not based on race is something that I agree with. "This by-election is important (and I hope that he wins with a huge majority) because Anwar will be able to lead an even stronger voice in Parliament in the war against corruption and excesses," Toh explained. That, he said, is also the wish of all Malaysians regardless of race. Toh told the crowd that he was recently in Singapore for a conference and presented a paper comparing the New Economic Policy and Malaysian Economic Agenda. "There is nothing inherently wrong with the ideals behind the NEP. But there is now corruption within the system. On the other hand, MEA is aimed at correcting the same imbalances while curbing excesses. "And that is what I find attractive," he added. Furthermore, MEA will also try to reduce the gap between the rich and the growing lower income groups, said Toh. After explaining his stand on the matter, Toh received a huge round of applause from the predominantly Chinese listeners. ...more http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/88165 (courtesy of Malaysiakini)