To be honest, i'm seriously tired after spending hours walking around KL for what i believe in, a cleaner and clearer election process. Yet, this is not really i expected, especially when compared to the previous rally.
I wasn't present for the first rally, so i shall talk about my experience based on this rally. Instead of putting blames on only the authorities, let's try to maintain neutral and analyze the whole event without any prior biases.
In my opinion, I think it is a failure. First of all, we are supposed to walk the talk, as we promised in default that this is a peaceful rally. I do anticipate adventures and obstacles from the polices and local authorities. You can always argue that being in a democratic country, it is part of our rights to participate in a rally, but we can just stop debating about that. For those who are not present at the rally, some of the protesters are just being brainless and barbarian. You don't smoke in a crowd whereby people are struggling to get enough air to breath. You don't kick or knock the billboards or the metal electrical cable boxes to be under the spotlights. You don't point middle finger nor throw items towards the police vehicles whenever they passed though. You don't suggest the crowd to fight against the local authorities and cops. You don't scream and make noise pollution as if you are being possessed by some kind of animals.
I believe as a human, if you don't do what you promise, it is your fault. Forget about the tear gases and water cannons, in default, none of the listed actions should be conducted in the first place.
Second, this rally is not as well organized as i have in mind. Again, as i'm anticipating dangers and road blocks around the city, i do not like the idea of wandering around the capital without knowing what to do. Most of us, especially those from KLCC spent at least an hour in front of the Menara Maybank for no reason. I'm blur, my friends are, my neighbors are, and basically everyone is blur. To be honest, if water cannons and tear gases were not being released, what are we going to do there at Dataran Merdeka beside spending sometime under the raging piecing sun rays and having picnics?
Back to another side of this story, i have to admit that i'm not a fan of the cops but this time they really make sure their brain is functioning well and under optimal performance. But you, as a cop, do not bring out your cameras and phones to take photos and videos when you are in duty. You are wearing your uniform and this indicates that you are on duty. Hence, stop behaving as if we are a bunch of celebrities that you might meet at nightclub that you must snap our photos because it is as rare as seeing KTM reaching on time.
In regards to all the accidents that occurred during this rally, i feel sorry for the victims and i personally think that some of it might not really due to your responsibility. It is hard to control a 100k crowd and unless your physical appearance is very significant, you might just be the unlucky bird that was shot by the hunters. You can blame the cops or anyone around you that blocked your escape route but sometime you can't predict it. And that is why it is an accident.
My experience? I would said it loses the real objective. It becomes a selfish anti government movement to some parties. I saw something like an 'angry lobster' joining the rally. Seriously, what are you, seafood doing on land? I saw the Hindraf organization pushing people away to clear their own path. One of the small fries actually suggested to fight our way through the crowd. Please, as a human, your parents, teachers or even your fairy tales do not suggest one to push and fight your way through a crowd, barbarian.
It gets so pointless and useless that we choose to leave earlier, which apparently after Ambiga ended the rally. We are lucky enough to leave our default stand spot or else we might able to see and pick up the tear gas cans cos we are standing on the first row as if we are at Lady Gaga's concert. Anyway, i believe that quality is always more crucial than quantity. I rather to have 10 Ambiga than 100k barbarians in this rally. I, if not most of the protesters, can be proud to be part of this rally and happy to say that i worked hard to maintain the peace and harmony during the rally. To those idiots, well, you should spend more time in classroom instead of in a rally ;p
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2 years ago
1 comment:
I was disappointed too, with the rally, when I saw that violence broke out, especially from the civilian side. It really defeats the purpose of the rally, like you said. Instead of proving a point - that we Malaysians are demanding for clean, fair elections, they have made the rally their playground, treating it like a joke.
But of course, I suppose with so many people, one can only expect hooligans to be among the rest. These people are probably not there to make a point, they are just there for their own amusement. And it is a shame to see the effort of well meaning people tainted by those who are so immature.
I suppose in a way, from all sides, Malaysia still has plenty to learn about peaceful demonstrations. The civilians have to learn that they are held for serious reasons and behave respectfully and the authorities have to learn to allow the civilians to express their opinions. Maybe it has to do with a case of jakun-ism also. If peaceful rallies are fully legal and allowed, then I think without the potential for drama, those who are not in it for the cause, will not be interested in taking part in the first place.
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