Bersih: The Measure of Malaysians

Last night, taking my shower before bed, I found myself thinking of the lock-up.It really wasn’t pleasant there. Some think of us as these martyr wannabes, just jumping to get ourselves arrested, etc.

I assure you, anyone who thinks that of me, or thinks I’m happy to face going back doesn’t know me, and doesn’t know prison.

I had never really thought about the fact that many of us may be headed back in tomorrow. Again, not a pleasant thought.

I’m a guy who likes my comforts. Decent meals, soft beds, and even soft toys :P

But you know, if the corruption in Malaysia continues to spread like poison, my kids will never get to play with my soft toys. Not in Malaysia anyway.

I met this really great guy the other night, who said that he always knew Malaysia was rotten, but couldn’t really bring himself to do much about it – what with the pursuit of wealth and happiness. Not until his first kid was on the way.

Not until he realised what kind of Malaysia he was leaving for that unborn baby.

And is it that bad?

Open your eyes. See the racism that plagues us, the billions of ringgit meant for the poor and stolen by the rich. The beatings of the innocent, the torture of the just.

It’s all hidden, but it’s all there if you look hard enough.

I love this place. Yes, some times more than other times, but isn’t that in the very best tradition of love?

And I’d prefer not to be kicked out from despair. Kicked out because it has become unbearable to live here.

If prison is the price we have to pay, what can we do? If we are arrested, let it be in the cause of justice, not for doing anything at all criminal.

You know those heroes we so often look up to? Gandhi, Martin Luther King, JFK.. even V.

They all got shot you know.

I don’t think anyone is likely to get shot tomorrow (let’s hope they keep their Batu Burok trigger happiness well and far away), so I don’t think anyone will end up having to make that ultimate sacrifice.

But if they can give that much for humanity, I think it’s up to us to brave enduring a little water cannons, tear gas and prison.

Because fighting tyranny always comes with a price, and with risk.

Times like these don’t come often.

Times like these provide us forever with a measure of ourselves – as Malaysians, and as decent human beings.

See you there.