Street protests in Malaysia are not new. The formation of Malaya wouldn’t have taken place without the built-up pressure created by street demonstrations in large towns such as Kota Baru, Alor Setar and Johor Baru.
The Malays successfully organised a peaceful demonstration to protest against Sir Harold MacMichael’s method of acquiring the sultans’ signatures and to reject the Malayan Union proposal. The fact that our deputy prime minister admits that he was the “father of demonstrations” is indicative of Malaysia’s rich history in organising street rallies.
Some might argue that the 1950s was different as democratic channels were not yet created, thus making street protest a necessary evil. I’d firstly like to point out that we’ve had multiple protests post-independence. From the Baling hunger street protest and hunger strike to the postal service strike of 1964.
Secondly, the right to expression via a street protest in not contingent on the existence of the right to vote. Instead it’s complementary to one another. An individual should be able to access both legitimate democratic channels. Democracy doesn’t die when election ends. Democracy breathes through every second of the day. It’s not seasonal as some detractors want us to believe.
This is particularly important when structures of democracy have been co-opted by the ruling government. When the media is controlled, when laws are openly abused, when the enforcement agencies operate on a selective basis, it signals the need for an alternative platform to voice one’s concern. This is necessary as democratic options have been limited by the ruling elites. I believe that the platform is by taking the battle to the streets in a peaceful manner.
The TangkapMO1 rally is unique as it’s spearheaded by the Youth of Malaysia. The future of Malaysia. The hope of Malaysia. This rally will rekindle hope in those who believe that Malaysia is bound for failure. This rally will send a message that the Youth will not sit idly when our future is being robbed by the ruling elites. This rally will signal that the Youth stands as a collective to save Malaysia.
Defining the future if they stand as one
The Umbrella movement in Hong Kong was predominantly run by the Youth. The rose, velvet and orange revolutions were predominantly run by the Youth. There’s a saying, “a country’s future can be predicted by looking at the country’s Youth”. The Youth of Malaysia can define the future if they stand as one. This rally provides a unique opportunity for us to do so.
Furthermore, it’s also refreshing to see a young lady lead the rally. Anis Syafiqah Md Yusof, the spokesperson of the Tangkap MO1 rally, will do Malaysians a favour by breaking a myriad of stereotypes. She’ll shatter the perception that Muslim women are timid and cannot take up leadership roles. She’ll break the stereotype that young Malays are apathetic.
She’ll prove to the haters that you don’t have to be a politician, a national award winner, a superstar (etc) for you to partake in the shaping of our political landscape. Her moral courage alone can outshine those with titles and wealth.
Sceptics will attempt to prove that street protests will not achieve anything. In the end, Najib Abdul Razak will still be free. However, that ignores the long-term change in mindsets that rallies can bring to Malaysia.
The Bersih 4 rally which was held all over the world brought massive attention to the 1MDB scandal. Those who were unaware became aware. Those who were not bothered, will now be bothered to care. Those who never took interest in Malaysian politics will now care. Let’s also not forget that the pressure placed by Bersih on the Election Commission did lead to some reform agendas being accepted (eg- indelible ink, more voter scrutiny).
Most importantly, street rallies provide a strong sense of a shared identity. An identity forged by a collective will to change Malaysia. When you’re surrounded by thousands of Malaysians for a common cause, you’ll feel inspired to do more. You’ll know that you are not alone in this battle. It provides oxygen to the rebel inside of you. In the long run, it fosters a healthy democratic society who won’t tolerate intolerance.
Malaysians from all walks of life are once more given a chance to partake in the process of changing Malaysia’s political landscape. Let’s not waste this opportunity to stand united as one. If we can’t even spend a few hours under the hot sun, how will we able to fight the never-ending battles which will grip our nation in the future?
United we stand, divided we fall.
SYED SADDIQ SYED ABDUL RAHMAN is a part-time lecturer at Universiti Islam Antarabangsa (UIA) Malaysia and is Asia’s best debater, winning the United Asia Debate Championship in May 2015. - Mkini
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