MCLM Calls BERSIH 2.0 a Great Success and Hails the Rakyat who Participated as the Third Force

The Malaysian Civil Liberties Movement congratulates the Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (BERSIH 2.0) on the success of its rally, “Walk for Democracy” held on 9 July 2011.

Despite the opposition and obstacles thrown its way by Najib Razak’s government and the Polis Di Raja Malaysia (PDRM), BERSIH 2.0, led by chairperson Dato’ Ambiga Sreenevasan and the steering committee, successfully stayed the course. The “Walk for Democracy” will go down in the annals of history as a sterling example of People Power.

The ultimate goal of presenting the memorandum of the eight demands of BERSIH 2.0 to DYMM Yang di Pertuan Agong may have been thwarted by the PDRM in defiance of his majesty’s stated wish to receive it. However, an even higher goal was achieved, that is, the demonstration of solidarity by the Rakyat.

As the Third Force, the Rakyat who took to the streets of Kuala Lumpur were awe-inspiring. As individuals and as a collective force, you were passionate, restrained and courteous. As you stood firm against the onslaught of tear gas and water cannons, helping each other to brave the pain and discomfort, sharing your salt, sharing your water, you revived that spirit of unity that the Barisan Nasional government has tried to destroy over the decades.

You have shown the world the true heart of Malaysia, one that is caring, generous and steadfast in adversity. You have shown the government and its instruments of oppression that you are a force to be reckoned with. You are the Third Force.

MCLM salutes you.

RAJA PETRA KAMARUDIN/CHAIRMAN

HARIS M. IBRAHIM/PRESIDENT