Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) youth chief Mohd Ezam Noor today announced the formation of a new NGO aimed at raising public awareness of corruption.

The new civil society movement which Ezam stressed is a separate entity of PKR would seek the participation of the public to deal with the problem of corruption.

He hoped that Gerak would be able to allow individuals and groups who are keen on combatting corrupt practices in the country to express and organise themselves, and yet not be associated with any political party.

"There are limitations to a political party due to the restraints put on opposition parties (by the ruling party)," said Ezam in a press conference in Kuala Lumpur, adding that Gerak being an NGO might see less pressure from the authorities.

Public education

Gerak is focused on five areas which includes - public education on the eradication of corruption, independence of judiciary and integrity of law, a free media, an independent anti-corruption institution that is answerable only to Parliament, and collaborating with different forces in society.

He said that Gerak would be engaging the public through workshops and discussions, while special programmes such as "Petronas Watch" would be formed to monitor and investigate how profits of the government-owned company are being spent, which is of public interest.

Gerak presently consists of one member - Ezam himself - but he hopes that with the official launch of the movement in Kedah on Nov 18, more members would fill in and a leader of the movement can be chosen so he can concentrate on leading the PKR youth wing.

For the last time...

In a related development, Ezam denied strong rumours that he was going to quit PKR in favour of rejoining Umno.

According to Ezam, he has received unofficial invitations from friends within Umno but has never once received any formal invitations.

"I am very committed to the struggle for reform in the country... I don't see Umno as a party with room for effective reforms. I will not join Umno for now," he said.