People versus Government - Round 3
Tomorrow on 28 March 2012, thousands of ordinary Malaysians
are expected to gather at Dataran Merdeka, for a peaceful sit-down protest
against electoral irregularities. They will be demanding the government and the
Election Commission to clean up the electoral roll and introduce reforms to
make the coming 13GE clean, free and fair. Time is running out and they want to
impress the government of the urgency with which they must act, thus the
mammoth rally.
The Bersih 3.0 rally is organized by non-partisan civil
societies and supported by the vast majority of peace loving and ordinary
citizens of all races. Unfortunately due to the confrontational attitude of the
government, like the previous 2 such rallies, it has turned out to be a battle
between the people and the BN government. It is strange that despite initial approval
by the Home Minister, the DBKL and Police are not allowing the sit-down protest
to take place at the requested place, Dataran Merdeka .It is disheartening that a day before the rally, the minister has
warned of a police crackdown on those who end up at the Dataran
Despite the refusal to use Dataran Merdeka and despite the
threat of police crackdown, thousands from all walks of life, ages and all
ethnicity are expected to converge on Dataran Merdeka to demand for clean and
fair elections. Among them will be elderly and even sick people. These are the
brave Malaysians who are willing to come out of the comforts of their homes on
a hot Saturday afternoon, brave the heavy police road blocks and even risk
being hurt,just to fight for justice for all of us.
It is one of the rare occasions when Malaysians especially
the youth forget their ethnic differences and come out joining hands and
proudly singing the “Negaraku”. Tear gas, water cannon, police arrests and even
brutality will not stop these courageous and patriotic Malaysians. It will be
one of the rare occasions when we will shed tears of joy and be proud to call
ourselves Malaysians.
It is unfortunate our mainstream media does not see the need
to report on this most important event in the country today which is the main topic
of discussion in coffee shops, social gatherings and elsewhere. The feelings and
emotions of the people are being clearly expressed on face book and twitter
postings that have become the main means of communication today. One such tweet
by a young man reads, “I can't wait to
sing together will all my fellow Malaysian NEGARAKU during #BERSIH 3.0”.
Those who will make our journey to Dataran on Saturday be convinced that what you are doing is
righteous, to protect our rights enshrined in the Federal Constitution. You are
not alone but being supported by millions who are watching and praying for you
at home and all over the world. You need courage and this they implore the
almighty to bless you with and protect you from all harm. Come what may let us not
resort to violence of any sort.
Those cannot be there
for some reason or another on this historic day, let’s salute these brave fellow
Malaysians who would be at the Dataran Merdeka on Saturday, not just fighting
for them but for all of us as well. Although we may not be able to be there
with them physically but we can us reassure them we will treasure every moment
they are there. We may not be there but they will be close in our hearts as we
continue to monitor and support them in whatever way we can. Let us be an
active part of the struggle outside the pitch to bring justice to our nation.
Meanwhile let us
continue to spread the news of this struggle against injustice to everyone we meet. Let us disseminate
the message of this struggle for free and fair elections far and wide through
the internet and all means available to us.
Finally let pray for them, asking God to protect them from
all harm and give them the courage to continue what they are doing. Let’s pray
that Bersih 3.0 goes on peacefully without any major untoward incidents. Let’s
pray for right to finally prevail over
wrong and the people must always be the winner in the final outcome.
God bless Malaysia
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