Happy display of unhappiness

A couple of weeks ago, a few writers including myself were invited to attend an informal session with a few representatives from Bersih.

We were briefed of the plans – nothing much new as to what was already public knowledge at that time – the five meeting spots, the plan to meet just outside Dataran Merdeka, the new 34 hour-rally idea. We were then asked for our feedback.

Many had concerns: that the rally would be too long, logistics and safety would be a nightmare, and honestly that what if it failed to bring in the numbers, or worse, brought in fewer than previous rallies?

How would you control the crowd and keep them engaged for such a long time? In trying to push the boundaries of democracy, would we lose the less radical crowd who probably would be only ready to go for four, or five hours tops, without creature comforts? What about toilets? How was traffic going to be controlled without Unit Amal?

Unlike previous rallies, much of the information was quite secretive due to worries and uncertainties of the level of police interference.

Half the committee was still in the dark about a lot of the ideas and the follow-up steps.

And this time, other than the usual detractors, there was this new group – former Bersih participants and supporters who either outright rejected the idea of Bersih 4, or thought the timing was off. As someone who had participated in the previous Bersihs, their misgivings were understandable.

But despite the scepticism, I decided to go anyway. Part-guilt, part-habit, and maybe just a dash of professional curiosity.

Never in my life have I been this happy to be proven wrong.

Not only did the crowd defy the police order to stay away, many stayed the night – some in hotels nearby, but most on the streets around Dataran Merdeka.

Not only the usual suspects, but the less politically inclined as well, many senior citizens and young adults turned up. Friends whom I know for a fact would not be able to even name their MP, were there!

Bersih 4 was unlike any “demonstration” I’ve attended. It felt more of a celebration of defiance, if there can be such a thing. A happy display of... unhappiness. 

Unhappiness about the way our country is run, about the people running it.

The minimal police presence translated into little fear of the usual Malaysian rally staples – chases, tear gas, water cannon and the traditional candlelight vigil outside Dang Wangi.

The air was cheerful and more reminiscent of a music festival than something political in nature.

But underneath the surface of grinning selfies and group photos, the rakyat’s anger was visible all around. Through infographics, posters, colourful costumes and mock cheques.

Beyond the deafening sound of vuvuzelas, the murmurs on the ground were clearly audible. Aside from the many speeches, poetry readings, songs and musical performances, in convenience stores and eateries all around the rally venues, talks of corruption, 1MDB, electoral fraud peppered with jokes about Birkins and “donation” dominated conversations.

As diluted as it seemed to the outside world, the sense of purpose was present.

To me, the issue of a Chinese-majority crowd should not arise. But if it at all it demonstrates anything, it should be that they must be really, really upset.

After all, if the community often touted as the richest and most “kiasi” (afraid-to-die) of the lot in Malaysia can come out, at night, to an event heavily featuring the number “4”, and sleep on the streets, during the Hungry Ghost Festival no less, then surely something must be very, very wrong with the country, at least where money is concerned.

Have we learnt anything from the previous rallies? Ironically, despite the lack of Unit Amal, crowd control seemed to be better, despite the many stages.

But then again, it’s far easier to control a happy, walking crowd, then a confused and gassed one, running away from the police.

The organisers worked better with the authorities this time around, reportedly with Suhakam as the mediator. The organisers learnt how to better tap the NGO network and smaller citizen action groups.

They weren’t the only ones who learnt from past experience.

The level of police cooperation improved to near perfect this time around, complete with diplomatic overtures and olive branches afterwards. Whether the directive came from the top or middle, it was handled very well.

Businesses learnt well, too. Many small traders used it as an opportunity to make some extra income while larger outlets mostly remained open, with some using catchy promotions or offered freebies and value added sales to those wearing yellow T-shirts.

Many NGOs and religious groups also participated this time, each doing its small part: distributing food, standing by for medical attention, offering urgent arrest teams and hotlines, or their premises as places to pray, freshen up, or leave kids or luggage.

The only ones who did not seem to learn their lessons are the ministers, who appear adamant on not letting this whole near-perfect rally pass without making at least five stupid comments.

But the real heroes, to me, were the everyday Malaysians, many of whom stepped up from their comfort zones.

Those who never bothered before, attended.

Those who attended before, brought friends, banners. Some volunteered.

Those who saw a need, like picking up rubbish, or recycling empty bottles, filled that void without prompting.

Will the rally bring about the change it seeks with regard to fair and free elections, corruption, governance and abuse of power?

Likely no.

Will it trigger conversation about it and send a ripple of waves along the corridors of power that the people, Chinese or otherwise, won’t back down without clear answers on the problems surrounding our country?

Likely yes.

Has it widened the democratic space, matured the political discourse and forced us to talk about these issues and maybe, just maybe, extended hope for our country a little bit more for those who saw very little before Bersih 4?

Most definitely.

And that, like the resounding voices of the hundreds of thousands gathered to sing the national anthem that night, is reassuring. – September 1, 2015.

* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insider.