Society for Tolerance and Awareness Kuching receives ROS nod
KUCHING: The Registrar of Societies ( ROS) has approved the formation of a civil liberty movement called Society for Tolerance and Awareness Kuching (Softa).
Announcing this yesterday, Mark Murau Sumon said the movement’s application was given the nod by ROS on Monday.
“The movement is to be known as Softa. Previously, we did propose the name Sarawak Freedom of Religion ( Safre) but we were not allowed to use the term ‘Freedom of Religion’ as it would be too sensitive to carry the word ‘Freedom’ in official names,” said Mark, who is Softa secretary general.
Despite having to choose a different name, he said they had no issues with ROS and were happy to being allowed to use the words ‘tolerance’ and ‘awareness’.
Mark explained that Softa’s membership is for Sarawakians only, including those living in Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah, but that non- Sarawakians could also join as associate members.
The movement’s main agenda includes providing members with moral, spiritual and material assistance regardless of race, religion and creed, while also providing a strategic alliance to other associations or nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) in combating social ills.
The movement would also provide advice on legal matters (or pre-legal advice) to members of any community.
“And of course, we would like to reform and pursue justice in order to protect the rights of every Malaysian citizen,” he stressed.
Mark said Softa will conduct its first annual general meeting in due time to elect its office bearers for a three-year term (2017-2019).
Mark can be reached on 0109838015 or via sumonmark.m@ gmail.com