709, the day Malaysians reclaimed our dignity
Omar HakimPublished: Jul 18, 2011 10:47 AM | Updated: Jul 18, 2011 10:48 AM
Never in the history of Malaysian politics has so much fear and pressure been exerted on the Malaysian public to be ‘Tak-Bersih’.
The heavy hand of the authorities was used to disrupt, harass, thwart and discourage every Bersih initiative by all necessary means. Loads of rubbish was heaped on the rakyat to ensure that they are Tak-Bersih compliant. The end justifies the means, so to speak.
The means include the media, police, SPR, high ranking personalities and various pressure groups. Sadly, even the royalty and the Armed Forces were not spared.
A systematic diet of fear, intimidation and coercion was rolled out on a daily basis.
Detaining citizens for wearing yellow is made to seem logical, never mind if we are the only country in the world to do so. And, wow! we made it into the Guinness Book of Records too!
91 Malaysian citizens were denied their right to be in Kuala Lumpur, their capital city on July 9. It’s alright to use preventive/emergency laws to curb the right to peaceful assembly, yes? The last I recalled, Emergency rule was lifted many decades ago.
Entry points into Kuala Lumpur were road-blocked and vehicle and commuters checked. Many train commuters were detained as soon as they got off the train.
By the police chief’s standards, these detainees should be grateful for the excellent treatment accorded to them. Provided with free transport, food and lodging, it’s a small wonder why the detainees did not ask for an extended stay – a small price for loss of personal liberty, no?
Yet, against all odds, 50,000 people from all walks of life, many for the very first time in their lives, braved the fear and intimidation, to rally in the heart of the capital, in clear defiance of their government.
Among them were the 65-year-old Lady of Liberty (Aunty Anne) and my 62-year-old lady cousin. All ages, sexes, races and creed, united as Malaysians, and speaking with one voice - one that is devoid of fear.
In the annals of modern Malaysian history, July 9, 2011 will surely be recorded as the day Malaysians lost their fear of their own government. Never again.
God Bless Malaysia.
The heavy hand of the authorities was used to disrupt, harass, thwart and discourage every Bersih initiative by all necessary means. Loads of rubbish was heaped on the rakyat to ensure that they are Tak-Bersih compliant. The end justifies the means, so to speak.
The means include the media, police, SPR, high ranking personalities and various pressure groups. Sadly, even the royalty and the Armed Forces were not spared.
A systematic diet of fear, intimidation and coercion was rolled out on a daily basis.
Detaining citizens for wearing yellow is made to seem logical, never mind if we are the only country in the world to do so. And, wow! we made it into the Guinness Book of Records too!
91 Malaysian citizens were denied their right to be in Kuala Lumpur, their capital city on July 9. It’s alright to use preventive/emergency laws to curb the right to peaceful assembly, yes? The last I recalled, Emergency rule was lifted many decades ago.
Entry points into Kuala Lumpur were road-blocked and vehicle and commuters checked. Many train commuters were detained as soon as they got off the train.
By the police chief’s standards, these detainees should be grateful for the excellent treatment accorded to them. Provided with free transport, food and lodging, it’s a small wonder why the detainees did not ask for an extended stay – a small price for loss of personal liberty, no?
Yet, against all odds, 50,000 people from all walks of life, many for the very first time in their lives, braved the fear and intimidation, to rally in the heart of the capital, in clear defiance of their government.
Among them were the 65-year-old Lady of Liberty (Aunty Anne) and my 62-year-old lady cousin. All ages, sexes, races and creed, united as Malaysians, and speaking with one voice - one that is devoid of fear.
In the annals of modern Malaysian history, July 9, 2011 will surely be recorded as the day Malaysians lost their fear of their own government. Never again.
God Bless Malaysia.
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