The public should use the “Suara Rakyat, Suara Keramat” gathering at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil tonight to directly state their desires, aspirations and ambitions regarding the nation’s development to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

Senior political secretary to the prime minister Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin said the gathering, themed “Dari Reformasi ke Malaysia Madani”, would provide a special big board for the public to write directly to the prime minister.

“I invite everyone, come use tonight’s gathering as a platform to express your views or offer your criticisms… as long as it’s written sensibly. Why? Because the people’s voice is sacred and it needs to be heard for us to shape the country’s direction.

“Perhaps, the feedback from the people’s voices at the gathering can give ideas to the prime minister, especially ahead of the tabling of Budget 2025 on Oct 18. This is what we want, ensuring that this struggle is not just inclined towards power, but (that it) does not forget the people,” he said on Bernama TV's “Ruang Bicara” programme last night.

Elaborating on the programme for tonight’s gathering, Shamsul said it would allow the public to trace Anwar’s long and challenging journey, known as “a long walk to reform”.

“A timeline will be presented, with a storyteller, so that those present will understand the crucial journey of realising our reforms, this must be shared with the people, especially the struggles faced by a figure named Anwar Ibrahim to bring about changes, which should be an example for the current generation.

“This gathering will also give the right perception to the people as to how the Reformasi movement first began 26 years ago, or more accurately on Sept 20, 1998, until the formation of the government under the leadership of Anwar that upholds the vision of Malaysia Madani,” he said.

Shamsul said the highlight of the gathering is an address by Anwar at about 9.45pm.

- Bernama

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