When I woke up on Saturday morning, first thing that came to my mind is today is THE day. The day which will go down to the history for sure.

I thought it was very brave of the 60 NGOs to proceed with the BERSIH rally albeit the denial of a protest permit. Since it was termed ‘illegal’, I expected a low turn-out rate. But a part of me wished that people from all walks of life would lend in their support by showing up at the various designated spots. I even told my mum it’s going to be a chaotic day in KL.

Imagine my surprise when I clicked on Jeff Ooi’s blog that night. Pictures of thousand of yellow T-shirt Malaysians marching on the streets showing on my computer screen. I stared in disbelief. Never in a million years would I expect to see this in Malaysia. For the first time in my life, I thought Malaysians are truly unite regardless of race, religion and values.

However the feelings evaporated after watching this video

and this from Al Jazeera

What was supposed to be a peaceful protest turned into a barbaric ‘riot’ initiated by the police with the help of water cannon and teargas.

BBC

CNN

Contrast this with the footages from the local television.

RTM

TV3

NTV7

What makes me sick is the continuous defence (empty argument) put forward by the government after the ‘riot’. Here is a fine example of our leader’s incompetence or should I put it correctly, stupidity.

I wanted to strip off my kewarganeraan so much when I listened to his interview. C’mon, at least choose someone with good English. Can’t even hear properly what he was yelling most of the time. (Thank goodness someone managed to come out with a transcript of the interview)

Many said that this is a political propaganda played by the Opposition Party especially Anwar Ibrahim to enhance their position in the coming election. I agreed this may be possible. But I’m not going to comment more on this. I’m not a supporter of Anwar and his allies nor am I a supporter of the BN government. To make it clear, I’m more concerned of the government’s definition of democracy. If like what Datuk Seri Zainuddin Maidin kept insisting on Al Jazeera, that we are a democratic country, why protest was not allowed? Even worse, to term it illegal!

The current government should realised that the power they have now is a mandate by the citizens. We have the RIGHT to take it back if it was abused widely. Instead of yakking as if it was not their fault, they should take the BERSIH rally seriously, as an early warning by the citizens.

 Beth Yahp: Open letter to Abdullah Badawi

The day that changed Malaysia forever

So Malaysians, judge for yourself.

Please make a wise choice for the next coming election. I know I will since it’s my first time casting the vote.