Day 9

Day 9
Owners of sundry shops and parking lots in SS2 probably laughed themselves to the bank. in just a few hours, umbrellas were sold out and parking was full. despite the heavy downpour, people were still eager to join the crowd near the pasar malam to hear the speaker for the night - the writer behind Malaysia-Today.

At least a thousand were standing under the rain patiently listening to him. i caught a glimpse of the man but after the umbrellas were opened, i could only hear his voice. i also didn't manage to stay on to listen to him finishing his speech because i didn't have an umbrella and was drenched from top to bottom. nonetheless, i know he's already made an impact by virtue of the support shown today. from the part that i've listened to, his speech was simple and easy to understand. just presenting the facts and figures, which were all public information.

It's interesting to watch my fellow countrymen sprung up into action and shared a common pursue for change. the excitement on their faces and nodding of heads as they cheered in agreement with the speaker. a candidate mentioned before that the number of people at ceramah (public political talks) do not necessarily translate into votes on the day. this was what happened in 2004 election - the opposition unexpectedly lost by a huge difference - without any indication from the ceramah, which were attended by many. one can never be too sure/certain of the outcome of this election.

I believe that change would embrace us when we're working together towards a common good. when we take our stand and step forward to take on the challenge. anyone can be angry. anyone can critise. anyone can also use harsh words to attack others. but anger, sentiment and foul language do not solve a situation/crisis. it does not contribute to the greater good. just like how, being afraid to walk in the dark after an attempted snatch thief is not going to resolve the situation. learning self defence and being more alert the next time round is probably a better response to the situation. unless of course, the person prefers to live in fear (but i doubt anyone does) ...

A lot of those i've spoken to expressed their frustration and ill-feelings towards the administration. yet they are also the same people who have not registered themselves as voters, nor have any intention to vote. if the simple gesture of exercising the right to vote as a citizen is not even taken, how then will there be change? as my sifu said, "i can offer you lamps to light the way, but i can't take the steps for you. U have to take the walk yourself..."

If we claimed that there was no democracy, it is up to us then to pursue it. Abraham Lincoln said: "Democracy is the government of the people, by the people, for the people." He also said: "Elections belong to the people. It is their decision. If they decide to turn their back on the fire and burn their behinds, then they will just have to sit on their blisters."

Democracy is not something you believe in or a place to hang your hat, but it's something you do. You participate. If you stop doing it, democracy crumbles - Abbie Hoffman

By being a bystander, nothing is achieved. everyone can choose to leave and opt for a better (and more democratic) place to live in but our forefathers didn't. they chose to stay and fought for independence. now it is up to us to keep it ...