All About 907

It's been awhile since I last posted anything on this blog. Life has certainly been filled with ups and downs, sunshine and rain, laughter and tears. Nonetheless, there was one particular day that truly stood-out for many of my fellow countrymen and also for me. Something that left a deep impression and a deep tug in my heart.

Not only did we see the many people from different background, race, creed, religion etc. come together for a common cause but we see many "lambs" becoming "lions". It gave a sense of pride to be a fellow countrymen with these brave lions and to see the strength of the nation surfacing from its long long slumber.

I am talking about Malaysia on that faithful day on 9 July 2011 (famously known as 907). Bersih 2.0 rally was meant to take place then where thousands of people would march to the Agong's palace to hand a memorandum calling for a fair and free election. There were 8 points highlighted but I would not discuss them here. However, 1 week before the expected march, the Agong made a statement calling for calm as there were also two other groups (Perkasa and The Patriots - Umno Youth), that would be marching against Bersih 2.0. After meeting the Agong, Bersih 2.0 Committee decided on holding the rally at the stadium. More obstacles were to follow as the government, police and stadium (Stadium Merdeka) management did not provide permit and permission to have the rally at the stadium.

Bersih 2.0 were to proceed despite the obstacles. The police became more desperate and court orders for 91 from the Bersih 2.0 Committee, Perkasa and The Patriot were issued disallowing them to enter KL on 9 July 2011. A day before the rally, roadblocks towards the end of 8 July 2011 were setup and long jam ensued. The purpose was to stop potential "rallyers" from entering KL.

This did not deter the will and spirit of Bersih 2.0 "rallyers" who wanted a free and fair election. Some were in KL since Friday while others made their way on Saturday morning braving the roadblocks. True to expectations, there were large turnout as people marched in downtown KL braving tear gases and water cannons so that their voice maybe heard. So that they would pave the way for better governance, transparency in the country's election process. I read and hear of personal stories of those who braved the streets with thousands (government claimed there were 5000, I seriously think this is an understatement especially if you were to look at the youtube videos). What stood out for me was the many stories of people from different background helping each other, caring for each other and watching out for each other. That is the true spirit of Malaysia, its hidden strength that if harness can be used to further the country to greater heights.

Indeed, if I were to think back on what I took away from this incident, was the true spirit of Malaysia surfacing within each Malaysian (including those overseas), the tiger that surfaced for that moment, the true hidden potential of the country and its people as well as the love of its people for Malaysia worldwide. Never have any of us sung "Negaraku" with so much passion. Even for myself, the first line of the national anthem, "Negaraku, tanah tumpahnya darah ku ..." echoed in my heart and head through out 9 / 10 July and it will be so for many many years to come ...