Bersih 2.0 is above politics, BN welcome to join

The announced Bersih Rally 2.0 is already gaining much momentum as well as generating some heat.

The former President of the Malaysian Bar Council must indeed be commended. A lady of resolute will, her passion for justice is exemplary.

Likewise, the newly minted Mat Sabu is a lion at heart. His immediate announcement of pledging 300,000 citizens to the planned peaceful march for justice encapsulates this man’s commitment to society and its ethical existence.

On the other extreme we have voices crying out against holding this rally that is a signature event of Malaysians’ demand for fair and clean elections. Some betray their very voices by making irresponsible statements. Others are giving extremely self-centered reasons why they do not want the rally to proceed.

Meanwhile, the very government that preaches that it is a fair and just government warns of dire consequences if the rakyat proceed with Bersih 2.0 to express their anchored support for justice and fairness in governance.

Not a political or opposition rally

The Bersih Rally 2.0 is not a political rally. Far from it, it is also not the ‘opposition’ camps’ revolution. It is about democracy and civil liberties – the very fundamentals that this nation earned its independence from.

Hence, heads of every faction of society must also rise to the challenge proactively. Religious heads – be they be Muslims, Christians, Catholics, Buddhists, Hindus, Sikhs – all of them must express their stand through public and press statements.

Heads of religions cannot disassociate themselves from the Bersih Rally 2.0 by maintaining that this has nothing to do with religion. Yes and no. Yes because it is not about the teachings and practices of one’s faith. No because it involves basic human justice on earth. It is about ensuring that God’s creation is not the victim of mortal man’s deceit and sin.

Hence the Heads of religion must make their stand announced.

Likewise, Presidents and Heads of professional bodies must make an official statement of what and where they stand. They cannot stray away and claim that Bersih 2.0 has nothing to do with their professional institutions.

On the contrary, it has everything to do with professionalism and professional conduct. It is about justice. It hinges on ethics. When justice and ethics are compromised, there is zero professionalism.

The same too goes for NGOs. You cannot absolve yourself from Bersih 2.0 because you cannot live up to your NGO principles in an environment that is devoid of justice and fairness. So you too need to make a stand on behalf of your members.

The bottom-line is this is not about politics or politicking. This is not about opposition or ruling political parties. This Bersih 2.0 is about the fundamental right of live on this planet. It is about humanity. It is about the very conduct of our journey here on earth for a live hereafter.

Speaking up and showing support for a set of beliefs is NOT wrong

If we do not correct what is wrong before our eyes; if we do not partake in and through peaceful means an agenda for the good of citizens and visitors; if we divorce ourselves from the realities of life surrounding us; if we cannot work together for the betterment of the nation’s governance – then all else is lost. And the price we must pay will be high while still journey in life, failing which we will be held accountable in the hereafter.

Whether we are on the BN side or the opposition camp; whether we are political or a-political; whether we are professionals or otherwise; young or old; rich or poor – as long as we are Malaysians we owe each other that duty to come together in the best interest of government, opposition and all those who promise and hope for better day tomorrow.

That better day and hope is anchored in justice. For the world of tomorrow is going to built not on rising towers and spanking highways alone. Instead the future currency of progress and peace is one that is fashioned after true democracy, civil liberties and ethical principles.

The just world has dawned and we must all be a part of that endeavor. And drawing a leaf from Barack Obama:

For when we have faced down impossible odds, when we’ve been told we’re not ready or that we shouldn’t try or that we can’t, this generation of Malaysians has responded with a simple creed that best sums up the spirit of a people – Yes, we can. Yes, we can. And together, we – all Malaysians, will begin the next great chapter in the Malaysian story, with three words that will ring from coast to coast: Yes, we have.

And with that we will eventually march into our 13th General Election without suspicion and disputes to witness the emergency of a champion who will be accepted without arguments as our elected government by the people, for the people and with the people. It can be BN again. It can be PR as well. Or it could even be a BN-PR coalition. But it is an honorable battle fought with exemplary justice and fairness.

Hence, in a nutshell, every citizen of Malaysia must share in this role for a just and fair election. Not just leaving it to the government of the day. Not just pinning their hope on the opposition alone. Not abstaining with a mindset ‘it is none of my business’.

- J. D. Lovrenciear is a reader and contributor to Malaysia Chronicle