Psm Launches Fundraiser For New Party Headquarters

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Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) has launched a fundraiser to purchase a building for their new headquarters, expressing hopes that the money they spend on rent can eventually be used for long-term party improvements.
Deputy chairperson S Arutchelvan told Malaysiakini that the idea of PSM purchasing its own property has been discussed since 2015, but they have often been held back by financial challenges.
“We have actually raised some funds much earlier to purchase our own building, but we found it very expensive, especially in KL. We also want a place that is accessible via public transport.
“We have a lot of people coming into the PSM office from different communities, and we want it to be accessible to them. We have plantation workers, poor communities, and also our growing youth wing, who often use the space for events.
“So we realised that we need a larger and more permanent space, where we can keep building our community.
“When thinking about how much money we have been spending on rent all these years, hopefully, we can get our own building, so that money can be channelled into something else,” he said.
PSM treasurer Soh Sook Hwa echoed Arutchelvan’s sentiments and said that the party aims to raise at least RM500,000 for the purchase.
“But ideally, our target is RM1 million. This is to ensure we have enough funds for long-term maintenance of the property, and to keep funding our party so we can do more activities, and improve the work done at our different branches,” she said.
PSM deputy chairperson S ArutchelvanWhile the party has previously organised annual fundraisers for other projects and election campaigns, Soh explained that this is their biggest fundraiser to date.
More youths embracing socialism
Both Soh and Arutchelvan also highlighted the surge in younger party members, and cited this among the reasons a larger and more permanent venue is needed for their headquarters.
“We have definitely seen a rise in the number of younger PSM members, especially over the past five to 10 years. Our youth wing is also becoming much bigger, so we need the space to accommodate them.
“We’re noticing a change in demographics, because our original supporters were mainly plantation workers and labourers, but recently we’ve been getting a lot more support from urban youths, and more Malay youths too,” said Arutchelvan.
Soh added that having more young people join the party is also reflective of a global trend, where youths are becoming more disillusioned with existing systems and are desperate for alternatives.
“Youths in Malaysia are frustrated that the government isn’t doing its job properly. The opposition we have is also ineffective, so they see PSM as a viable alternative that aligns more with their values,” she said.
PSM treasurer Soh Sook HwaAccording to Soh, at least 20 percent of the party’s membership is below the age of 30, and many who have only registered within the past five years.
Amanda Louis, the chairperson of PSM’s youth wing, described the party’s growing number of youngsters as a symbol of hope.
“More young people are realising that life under capitalism is becoming increasingly unsustainable. There are also growing concerns about the rising cost of living, job insecurity, and the worsening climate crisis, and it all feels very overwhelming.
“I think that’s why many young people are turning to the left, and joining PSM offers hope that change is possible for us to collectively build a better Malaysia.
Amanda also emphasised the need for more third spaces that can be used for community building, and hopes that the new headquarters can play this role as a “safe third space.”
“Many youths have also voiced the need for more third spaces, which can be defined as informal public spaces, distinct from home and work, that foster social interaction and community, which Malaysia lacks.
“We keep seeing more and more malls being built, but most of these new places are always tied to consumption, and we need an alternative to that,” she said.
Inspired by Malaysiakini’s fundraising efforts
As part of this fundraising initiative, PSM will be organising a high tea on Aug 24, where supporters can purchase bricks as a donation for the party’s new headquarters.
Malaysiakini’s existing office in Petaling Jaya“We were inspired by what Malaysiakini did all those years ago, where supporters were encouraged to purchase bricks to help you move to your new office.
“So we have to credit Malaysiakini for this. We discussed this in our meeting and decided to follow what Malaysiakini did to fundraise for our new building,” said Arutchelvan.
Malaysiakini held a fundraising campaign in 2013, where supporters were encouraged to buy bricks for RM1,000 each to help fund the purchase of a new building in Petaling Jaya that now serves as its office.
PSM aims to reach their goal before their annual congress in July 2026 and hopes to relocate to its new headquarters before the end of next year. - Mkini

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