Reformation

Emilio Aguinaldo; Philippines reformist. Dr.Sun Yat Sen; Chinese reformist. Aung San Suu Kyi; Myanmar reformist (though not totally successful yet). History is built on these people who go all the way, depriving themselves of what the world can give them. These are figures who made it into our history books because they stood their grounds and fought for a better world (in their local context). But it is sad that these group of selfless people make the minority.

Malaysia is in the Bersih fever. For the first time since i can remember, our politics have taken a hold. For once there is something that is more "happening" then politics in our nation. It all unfold by the idea of having a peaceful rally for a fair election. Our good old leadership has reacted very foolishly (in my opinion) and has organized a nation wide clampdown on this. The word Bersih is now taboo, the colour yellow; ban, the gathering; illegal. Our streets and highways are crawling with police officers acting like gangsters, inciting the public with fear when they are suppose to be making us feel safe. As the saying goes, "harapkan pagar, pagar makan padi". Our beloved has also taken the initiative to send circulars to schools threatening (in my opinion) students to not take part or have any association with Bersih. Bringing politics right on our young minds plate. Sounds like a desperate move.

The interesting thing that has caught my attention in this whole affair is this. Many people around me is aware of this, supports the idea of Bersih but refuses to do anything. I told my friend, "lets go gallivanting in town this sat wearing a yellow shirt". He called me crazy. Many will prefer not to rock the boat. As long as life is fine and dandy in their little worlds, its ok. As long as there is food on d table, some savings in d bank, its ok. It doesnt matter where our tax money goes, it doesnt matter if natives are having their lands "stolen", it doesnt matter if politicians are corrupted, it doesnt matter if newly built stadiums crumble. It doesnt matter. That is why, reformist are the minority. Many are too comfortable and are afraid that the little they hold on to will be gone.

Advertisements promoting Malaysia always stress that we are nice friendly people. Sometimes, i think we are too nice. Too nice to voice out injustice, too nice to defend d victimized if it causes turmoil, too nice to report cases of outright corruption. Come to think of it, i think many of us are just cowards. Not daring to make a stand on principals. If we see a person jump queue, we would rather just keep quiet in the name of "peace". a feeling of i wont want to be part of a commotion.
And in the case of Bersih, many will just avoid and keep quiet in d name of "peace" while we are being trampled on, inspected like criminals and brain washed by buyers propaganda.

Sometimes we need to rock the boat, crush the boat and with that build a new one. My writing here is not one to side the government or the opposition. Its a cry for a better leadership. Its a cry for Malaysians to step up and speak out for a better Malaysia. Connecting Bersih being funded by a Christian group and the revival of communist reformation. You think for yourself whether this is inciting racial tension. Getting the silat club in Malaysia to "eliminate the Bersih threat"? Having Ibrahim Ali to call himself a war general and to ask Chinese to stock up food? My heart is in distress. One i cant express in words.

We need to wake up, stand out and speak out.