The Malaysian Socialist Party (PSM) held its eighth congress in late May. Over the past period, the party has been involved in campaigns against the privatisation of health care, against the goods and services tax and against the fuel price hike, along with other local struggles against the neoliberal policies of the Abdullah Badawi government. The PSM was also at the forefront of protest actions against the US-led occupation of Iraq. In September, the PSM organised the Socialism 2005 conference, a rare open socialist gathering. The party has also been fighting in the Appeals Court for the right to obtain legal registration. The congress made plans for the party to expand beyond the two states where it currently has branches.
From Green Left Weekly, June 7, 2006.
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