Despite critics saying otherwise, several activists claim the reformasi movement - born after the sacking of ex-deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim (photo ) five years ago - is still very much alive but lacks steam and direction.

Beset by restrictive laws governing freedom of speech and expression, the movement was recently dealt another blow when the Court of Appeal upheld Anwar's conviction for sodomy.

Main obstacle

However, the activists, who come from all walks of life, believe that the primary obstacle faced by the movement is the lack of organisational skills among grassroots leaders, and that the purported 'oppression' by the authorities is a secondary factor.

Former student leader and Internal Security Act detainee Khairul Anuar Ahmad Zainuddin said those who believe in reformasi must work actively to beef up its momentum instead of merely talking about the status of the movement.

"When Anwar was sacked, there was a vacuum in society, and the youth were attracted to reformasi. They wanted to see a change in society," said Khairul who currently works for the Labour Resource Centre in Kuala Lumpur.

"Political leaders should have taken full opportunity of the situation and organise activities to keep the momentum going."

Khairul, who was detained under the ISA for 52 days in 2001, said it was pertinent for political leaders to get involved in the movement.

"Their responsibility is automatic. They should be close to the hearts of the rakyat," he said.

Boost credibility

Others, like Keadilan Information chief Khalid Jaafar ( photo ) have indicated that the presence of political leaders would boost the movement's credibility.

Youth leader Badrul Hisham Shaharin agrees. An active reformist, he was told to leave his teaching job due to his involvement in the movement.

He said the participation of political leaders was not merely to enhance the movement's credibility, but to ensure that the struggle to demand justice and freedom would be easier.

"A leader is not a leader if there is no o­ne to lead. So Keadilan and Barisan Alternatif leaders should get involved with the reformists, the people, and help them fight to bring changes to society," he added.

Over the years, the reformasi movement has been accused of having lost its power to ignite public imagination in Malaysia.

There is also speculation that Keadilan - which became the political vehicle for the movement - is moving towards a natural death due to internal crises and waning support from the masses.

Predictable strategies

Several leaders within the pro-reformasi BA such as Keadilan vice-president Saifuddin Nasution Ismail have expressed hope that reformists will go back to the drawing board and plan new strategies because existing o­nes are too predictable.

But another Keadilan vice-president and ISA detainee Tian Chua is of the opinion that the reformasi spirit and support for his party remains strong.

In a recent interview with the Australia Broadcasting Company (Radio Australia), he said the momentum of all political movements has its ups and downs.

"Keadilan has an agenda, it shall grow out of the political condition in the country," he said.

"So long as there are social injustices and economic corruption such as cronyism, nepotism in government, and the absence of a free press, human rights and judicial independence, our agenda will continue to be relevant

"I don't think the people in power think that Keadilan or Anwar is over as a political force. If they believe so, they would have released us and relaxed the tight control over our political activities."

Tian is currently being held under the Internal Security Act under a two-year detention order, which expires next month.

He was arrested with several other party leaders and malaysiakini columnist Hishamuddin Rais for allegedly planning to topple the government through militant means, a charge they have denied.

Common people

Meanwhile, there are also those who want to see the movement break away from its Anwar-centric image.

Activist Lee Siew Hwa, who was involved in the movement in its heyday, said those in the struggle appear to have forgotten that reformasi is about "the various sentiments and dreams of the common people" who took to the streets in 1998.

"Many of them were workers, farmers, hawkers, and the urban poor who have not seen any justice in their life due to corruption, collusion and nepotism which is practised by the ruling party," she said.

"Unfortunately, the movement leaders or the leading party has hardly given any serious thought to the real and crucial content of the struggle."

She said the movement would o­nly grow when there is participation of the masses, led by those who are serious in serving the people and courageous enough to face the repercussions.

Lee said the movement would never grow with o­nly "popular leaders" who are not organised and not clear in their political demands.

She concluded that if the masses are not organised and their leaders are arrested, the political momentum of reformasi would collapse.