ON a Sunday morning in mid-November last year, a host of civil society groups gathered at the KL-Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall to officially pledge their commitment to working for a better tomorrow. Together, they come under the banner Gabungan Bertindak Malaysia (GBM). Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia is part of this coalition.

But what's that better tomorrow?

We thought this extract of a poem by Usman Awang spoke volumes on that score.

The day's event also saw the participating groups set up exhibition booths, and information and sales kiosks. Pusat KOMAS' exhibition panels (above) provided a strong foyer leading to the stage and seating section.

GBM comprises 23 organisations and perhaps the most striking fact is that the coalition cuts across almost all major sections of society be it ethnicity, religion, education or language. (GBM's charter can be viewed here.) On this platform, common ground is established; there shall be dialogue and action.

On a more modest scale, SABM had a five-panel interactive chalk board where visitors were encouraged to doodle or scribble anything they felt was worth the space. There it was, beginnning of the day, mostly black and blank.

Then folks came by, grabbing chalk and a voice. From eager youths...

... to expressive, lyrical 'grownups'.

It got a little festive.

And as the day's programme unfolded, from a zesty drum circle launching to a mini film fest...

... so too the People's Voice emerged, strident and proud.

We, the Rakyat, shall steer our land.

P.S. Once again, GBM's Charter can be viewed here.