Lawyer Surendran is now one of the Vice Presidents of PKR.
He started his activism in 1998 during the “reformasi” period and had represented many of those arrested for gathering peacefully. He is also actively involved in several NGOs, including Malaysia Animal Rights Society, Malaysian Against Death Penalty and Torture and Malaysians Against Discrimination of the Disabled and Lawyers for Liberty. Having read of all his involvements in the above issues, I am glad that PKR has included him in the line-up.
Read what he has to say about his aims and responsibilities :
"My aims are very simple. I want to see a country that is ruled fairly. I want to see an end to oppression and oppressive laws, and an end to all cruelty perpetuated by the government, the police, or whomever. I want to see a country that is free."
"Before I die I want to know that I have helped my fellow men. I take pleasure and satisfaction when I have helped someone who is a victim of injustice."
"I hope to make a real change and contribute towards the goal of reforming the institutions in the country... towards better governance. With political freedom, we will have economic freedom."
"I want a free press, an end to all cruelties, and a functioning democracy that is based on solid political discourse that is seen in Western countries."
"l hope this country can move away from parochial views of race and religion."
"...my task would be to fight to remove oppressive laws and create a more balanced playing field for all Malaysians.”
Aren't these the qualities we want and expect of a leader? And I believe Surendran will not let us down.