On the 9th of July 2011, we saw change. And boy, was it a change for the better.
On that day, thousands of Malaysians left the safe confines of their homes to fight for a cleaner electoral process under the organisation named ‘Bersih’.
Bersih (also known as The Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections) comprises members from political parties and NGOs. The organisations’s 2.0 version’s calls consist of 8 points:
- Clean the electoral roll
- Reform postal ballot
- Use of indelible ink
- Minimum 21 days campaign period
- Free and fair access to media
- Strengthen public institutions
- Stop corruption
- Stop dirty politics
Contrary to popular beliefs, Bersih 2.0 isn’t initiated to start riots and stir chaos in Malaysia. No sane citizen of the country would want to jeopardize one’s own country, would they? All we want is to express our opinions in this so-called democratic country, without fearing the possibility of being ISA-ed. (The incredulity of even establishing such an act shows how restricted the citizens are in this country where democracy is the law.) But most importantly, all we want are clean elections. Simple as. No cheating, dirty tactics and bribing. That’s what we want, for the good of the country. So if the motive of this coalition is being opposed by the government itself…what would that mean?
The message is pretty clear and obvious.
Besides, ever heard of ‘nothing to hide, nothing to fear’? If you know what you’re doing is right, you wouldn’t even give a hoot when rivals come marching by. Sense something fishy? Because I do.
The worst part of all of this is how some Malaysians are still ignorant about the truth. How they are still willing to be spoonfed by the ‘upper party’ through social media without taking up the initiative to know more other than what is being printed in newspapers and shown on the television. Malaysians lack exposure to actually differentiate what is right and wrong and look at situations from alternative perspectives. This is the main disease among citizens of this country.
Wake up, people of Malaysia! Don’t be monopolized by leaders with their own agendas. There are always two sides to a coin, and in every situation and circumstance, you should flip it and delve deeper into each side to truly know which side you stand for. It’s time to stop being fed lies and fake promises. It’s time to voice out and stand strongly for what is rightfully ours. Surely that’s the real meaning of democracy?
To the people who bravely marched along the streets of Kuala Lumpur to demand for us Malaysians’ rights and for a cleaner government, hats off to you. The day you took the streets of the city was the day all barriers of race, language and skin tone were demolished. It was the day no one marched as a Malay, Chinese, Indian etc, but as a Malaysian. To the Malaysians all over the world who strongly supported this cause by holding your own demonstrations in your respective countries, I salute you, for remaining true to your roots as genuine patriots.
Now that’s what I call the true spirit of 1Malaysia.
PS. The Bersih supporters took the streets for a peaceful demonstration, until the police turned up to strike with tear gas, water cannons and batons. Now you know who are the real causes of said ‘riots and chaos’.
michelle teoh 
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