Anti-opposition rallies are not only allowed, but also highlighted in the MSM. |
Sales of Bersih 2.0 tees have skyrocketed since the ban. They have now become a collector's item. |
Why is the government not going after Perkasa and Umno Youth? Their rallies to be held on the same day as Bersih 2.0 have also been declared illegal by the Home Ministry. |
Bersih rally in 2007. (Photo: The Sun) |
You can be arrested for wearing a plain yellow T-shirt, and for distributing miniature national flags! |
The government has yet to address Bersih's other demands. For instance, what has it to say with regards to Bersih's demand to stop corruption and strengthen public institutions? As for the demand for a free and fair media, we know that the media has already been given orders not to show any TV news footage or print coverage of police using violence on protestors on 9 July. "Instead the news should highlight the difficulties and inconvenience caused by the rally to the people, as well as scenes of protesters heckling, public property being vandalised and massive traffic congestion." (Source: Malaysia Chronicle)
What started off as a rally for clean elections has now morphed into a civil rights movement that is gaining momentum. The harder the crackdown, the louder the cry for democratic reforms. It is not the rakyat but the government and their use of strong-arm tactics that is giving the country a negative image.
Should the government succeed in stopping the rally on 9 July through intimidation and suppression, the people still have the power of the vote. Unless of course, the coming elections are rigged. Which is precisely why Bersih is calling for clean and fair elections in the first place.
Come next Saturday 9 July, the city and other major towns will be swathed in a sea of yellow - the new colour of courage.
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