09.07.2011 – The making of history in Malaysia
Never before in the history of Malaysia has the government (I think) felt so threatened by the opposition and it’s people. It has been a long time since the last lockdown on the Kuala Lumpur city centre occurred. To be exact it was on May 13th 1969 when racial riots broke out in Malaysia that curfew was introduced and a state of emergency was declared. During that time my father experienced fear like none other as a different ethnic background could spell disaster. He was not allowed near any of the Malay kampungs (Malay villages) and of course not to play with his friends.
Today however there is no curfew, no racial divide. Today Malaysians of all ethnic backgrounds stand together as we stand divided against the evil killing Malaysia – the Malaysian Government. This uproar of unjust is a call to arms in the form of Bersih 2.0. People have come from all over the country to gather in Kuala Lumpur for this history making event, where Malaysians call for 8 requests.
1 ) Clean the electoral roll
2 ) Reform a postal ballot
3 ) Use of inedible ink
4 ) Minimum 21 days campaign period
5 ) Free and fair access to media
6 ) Strengthen public institutions
7 ) Stop corruption
8 ) Stop dirty politics
I think it is about time Malaysians rise to challenge this corrupt government we have. When I was still in college, I used to be proud of Malaysia. It was a place I called home and it was the age where Mahathir ruled. But it seemed like everything has only gone downhill from then. Chinese used to be able to get projects in the government sector, but now with the latest policies, only Malay owned companies are allowed to even participate in tenders for the government. It is not publicly advertised but I have yet to hear of one where the Chinese won any tender regardless of how much cheaper or more qualified they were for the task. Since I came back I have heard of so many corrupt cases where tenders could have been fulfilled at half the price but was given to those with less experience. That’s where all our tax payer’s money went.
Also with all the dirty politics playing out on screen. Seriously, doesn’t anyone find it a total disgrace when other countries see us on news about how our politicians were caught on sex tape and publicly humiliated. Even my Aussie friends asked me whether the news were true. I felt the utmost shame when I had to admit the truth of their words. The country I once called my homeland – it’s reputation tarnished beyond repair.
With this new age of Malaysians however I see something changing. Patriotism is building, even amongst those overseas. Mass rallies were held throughout Australia (namely Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth), New Zealand and so on. Bersih 2.0 has really been a wakeup call for all Malaysians who still wish to call this our home. I know the challenges ahead but I am charging on because I believe that what we do today will change Malaysia’s history for good. Through this exercise we have learned how afraid our government is of it’s people. Since the early hours of Friday, road blocks and road closures have been enforced throughout the Kuala Lumpur city centre. No one was entering nor leaving the city without being checked. These roadblocks all caused major problems for businesses operating within the Kuala Lumpur central district. The government has even put the arms forces on standby. Even though they do not admit it, but several sightings of army trucks loaded with personnel are not invisible. The bigger the web of lies grow, the worse it is for our government.
Malaysians have now seen for themselves the degree of paranoia and lack of principled leadership that seems to have gripped the government. It is thus all the more imperative that patriotic Malaysians rise now and take this stand together to save Malaysia from slipping further into this insane darkness.
Since the beginning of Bersih 2.0, we have witnessed nothing but the utmost bravery and commitment to peace and justice demonstrated by ordinary Malaysians from every walk of life. Inspired by this example, the Bersih 2.0 leadership reiterates our own unyielding commitment to our shared cause, and to being at Stadium Merdeka at 2pm tomorrow. We will meet at the carpark, and trust that the doors will be opened for us.
This is Malaysia’s single most important defining moment in recent history, and we are fully confident that the rakyat will heed the call to safeguard the principles Malaysia was founded on and together ensure that we pass down to our children a nation that is just, democratic and united in love for one another.
-extracted from bersih.org-
Many of my friends are taking to the streets today and heading towards Stadium Merdeka. I wish I could be there, but the fear of riots happening outweighs my patriotism, for that I am expressing my dissatisfaction here on my blog. I have thought long and hard about whether or not to return to Australia as I truly enjoy the freedom of speech and the anti corrupt nature of her people. Where when you at wrong and caught by the police, you just meekly accept your fine. Whereas here in Malaysia you can just bribe the police and off you go again. When my friends visit Malaysia, they will be stunned when I turn into no-entry lanes or go against traffic. But to us living in Kuala Lumpur it is the norm. If you don’t overtake a car on your way to work, you are sure to be late for work. Because everyone does so, and we have a corrupt government. Up from the top till the tiny little toe.
I think Malaysians are sick of it and here we stand united against the forces of evil (the government) hoping to make history. I will pray for safety and pray for a new beginning!! God bless…
