KUALA LUMPUR, Oct. 12 -- The fall of Barisan Nasional in 2018 after six decades in power changed Malaysia's political landscape.

It has opened up avenues to more political players heading into the next general election, including a group of NGOs called Gerak Independent with a unique premise.

The group is a collaboration between Malaysian Action for Justice, Unity Foundation (Maju), I Am The Third Force, KitaBantuKita, and Malaysia First.

They said they intend to "deliver" independent MPs to protect and preserve the rights enshrined in the Federal Constitution, and promise to bring about progressive initiatives for the good of the country.

They aim to put up around 20 principled and capable candidates to contest to be lawmakers, who w...