I feel urges to write especially when there are certain opinions and thoughts that I just have to pen down in coherent and concrete thought before it jumbles up in my head and confuses me till kingdom come.
It used to happen quite often, it seems that I have either less time or is less inspired of just tired.
Andy's teaching in the other room - so I have some "lone" time now to think and write. So I'm going to try to be as short and simple as possible.
In view of the recent happenings in our country, I have gone through a lil' bit of a roller coaster. I source all my news and information from the mainstream media first (who wouldn't?) and I am quite ashamed to say that I was also quite affected by it.
They say Chinese people please stay at home and stock up. I did. (not a lot la but I did). I blamed Bersih 2.0 - I said in my little heart, "why create such trouble? what would happen if it went out of hand?" And this went on for the longest time.
After several weeks, I started to wonder - Ambiga used to be the president of the bar council of Malaysia and she has received an award for her contribution to women's rights. Surely this woman knew what she was doing? I saw her pictures; she didn't look threatening and I was just wondering why she went on despite all the obstacles and threats (death threats included!) It was very difficult to find information about her (that wasn't biased) in the mainstream media so I started searching online.
The week leading to Bersih 2.0, I started reading. And that was the time when I hit myself because I am a trained journalist; surely I knew media (in all forms and glory) is ALWAYS biased. Why have I been so affected one way and not even bother finding out the other story?
The more I found out about Bersih 2.0, the more I understand why it had to be done. I agree, it might not be the best way to get their message out but it was, according to Ambiga, "necessary" because they have tried everything else. This woman addressed her death threats and said, "Bersih 2.0 is not about me. It's about the Raykat". Wow - got guts. Oh my dear heart began to change!
The night before 907, my brother-in-law smsed us to tell us not go to into the city because people were carrying "parangs". Oh my little heart panicked again though I thought these are PROBABLY rumours - and it was confirmed later. So I told my Andy we're NOT going anywhere.
We had friends over for supper and 2 of them were going. I went on FB and found many good friends going. I even read the guidelines from Bersih's website on how to prepare for the day. I wanted to go but my little heart was still afraid. Anyway, the group left very late so we slept in.
When we woke up the next day it was after noon time. I switched on my computer and went online - LIVE STREAMING and LIVE UPDATES were available and I CRIED, thinking why didn't I join.
It was very symbolic, the whole thing. People from all walks of life and all forms in different parts of the city marching towards one direction. They faced obstacle after obstacle but they were never deterred. They continued marching to reach that one purpose.
I broke down.
I have never seen Malaysians so united. At that point, race didn't matter. Religion didn't matter. Colour didn't matter. Status didn't matter. Gender didn't matter. Heck, AGE didn't even matter. They were MALAYSIANS who wants the same thing - change for our future. Old people didn't have to be there; they could just stay at home and relax. They probably won't be part of our future anyway. Yet, they walked.
I have never been so proud to be Malaysian. Deep down inside I love my country - otherwise why would I cry EVERY TIME I listen to "Here in my Home"? It is just that I have been putting it away because people tell me this country is coming to nothing.
I wanted zoom downtown to walk with my brothers and sisters but it was probably too late so I had to be a bystander.
That day, I knew, our countrymen, were more than what we thought or imagined them to be. We were ONE. As long as we stay together, we will NOT be bullied. If we fight for the same purpose with one heart undivided, we'll succeed even if there are obstacles after obstacles.
But I also think we should just leave it as that. Let's not politicise the whole thing, pointing fingers and threatening the government. God put them there for a reason. And they will be the ones accountable to God on how they lead the people and how they used tax payers' money.
For us, let's do something we CAN do. Register to VOTE. If you want change, do your part and pray very hard that our leaders will seek to do the Rakyat right.
In the meantime, HIDUP RAKYAT! :-)
My two cents.
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