Friday, April 27, 2012

Bersih 3.0 – The final countdown


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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