Bersih: If Umno and BN were smart, this is what they would do

As the July 9 Bersih Rally gathers steam, devils behind the opposing teams have started to rear their ugly heads. The IGP has stated that about 416 reports have been made against the Rally by mostly traders, taxi drivers and travel agencies. Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin has announced that the Rally is illegal and against the wishes of the Rakyat who believe the Election Commission are angels.

Khairy Jamaluddin – UMNO Youth head has just announced that they are going to organize a March on the same day, same time and on the same road as the Bersih Rally.

Why would anyone want to oppose or foil such a good thing? Can anyone truly come up with a good excuse as to why the Rally should not proceed, and not with all kinds of irrational excuses? Wouldn’t free and fair elections have a positive impact to the future of this nation? Malaysians have so much to gain and nothing to lose, and a brighter future ahead of us.

Meanwhile, 'king NGO' Perkasa is totally opposed to it. Their excuse is that they too are the Rakyat, and they believe that Malaysia already has the fairest election machinery in the world, with no need of a revamp. They have sounded out that they too will be at the Rally to oppose Bersih. It is not clear whether Perkasa may march together with UMNO Youth and vice-versa though.

As for the other key player, Home Minister Hishamuddin Hussein, he is non committal and will leave it to the Police to make the decision. The Police meanwhile have stressed that "preventive arrests" may be made to ensure that the Rally does not materialize. However, in the latest turnaround they have announced that they will be issuing permits after all, for the Marches, which may see three different groups. But then again, they may still U-turn again.

The logic of Ibrahim Ali

Why is Ibrahim Ali not opposing UMNO Youth and Perkasa from marching on July 9th? Already, one Rally is a headache for the taxi-drivers, traders and travel agents as they say. Wouldn’t 3 different rallies be more of a headache? Why not UMNO Youth march on the 8th July and Perkasa on 10thJuly? Why be such a busy body to march on the same day? Wasn't Perkasa opposed to the March? If they think the March is going to destabilize the peace, why aggravate the situation by also marching?

In fact, why don’t UMNO Youth and Perkasa embrace the Bersih Rally as a concrete effort to abolish election fraud, and march together to show the world that they too want a free and fair election? Or are they too embarrassed?

In fact, BN should be invited to march together in a show of support for free and fair elections. And Ambiga Sreenevasan has already done so. Together, government, opposition and NGOs can ensure that the Election Commission stop all its silly antics, and go strictly by the book.

Contrary to UMNO and BN’s beliefs, this Rally is not against them. BN’s reputation was soiled by the Election Commission which is not accredited or endorsed by the people. That is why so many Malaysians think that BN is not a legitimate government.

The Bersih Rally is against the perceived manipulation by the Election Commission, reputed to be one of the most corrupted in the world. The rally is to demand certain electoral policies be implemented namely: the use of indelible ink, clean up of the electoral roll, re-delineation caused by gerrymandering, independent observers for Postal Votes and General Votes, money for votes, emergency electric generators in case the light goes out during the vote count. (Pun intended) phantom voters through forged IC’s, and equal airtime in the MSM for all.

The greatest enemy to the nation is the Election Commission, which sad to say draws its inspiration from UMNO and the other BN parties. EC’s inability and reluctance to conduct a free and fair election has caused untold misery to the nation and its people. They may not be the direct cause of all the ills facing Malaysia today, but certainly, they contribute a lot to the sad situation in the country today.

So if BN is smart, it should regain its former 'reputation' by throwing the blame on this evil entity called the Election Commission, revamp and ensure the EC serves the nation and the people. Anot itself.

What if?

So on this note, let us examine a Malaysia that can evolve out of a successful Rally and from the BN's suddenly and finally coming to its senses.

Indeed, the success of this Rally may change the landscape of Malaysia forever, a brighter and promising future with hope for all Malaysians. Imagine the next batch of political leaders will be the true choice of the people.

It will mark the end of corruption in this country forever! Imagine, if all our political leaders actually won on their merit alone, without gerrymandering and other corrupted means to secure their seats?! Imagine a pool of trustworthy leaders, who will ensure a better nation for its people. This is what the Bersih Rally is all about.

Imagine, Khairy winning the next election on merit, fair and square and going on to be the Prime Minister of Malaysia some day. Muhyiddin, winning fair and square and taking his place as the New Prime Minister. And Ibrahim Ali, …..forget about Ibrahim Ali. He’s a lost cause.

The Magic number is 501,500

To make the event special and memorable to everyone participating, Bersih organizers will publicize the entire route for the March, and traders could set up wayside stalls to provide much needed nourishment, food and drinks, while taxi drivers can be stationed along the entire route to ferry weak participants or VIP’s that are too tired to continue. In fact, the rest of the Klang valley can declare an unofficial public holiday, except for essential services, to join in the rally.

Actually, instead of economic loss, this will be a money spinner and can be turned into an annual affair to show our solidarity and commitment to worthy causes that can improve our country.

While PAS can muster a 300,000-strong crowd and an anticipated 200,000 from the Klang Valley and other states, the total turnout could be about half a million marchers strong. WOW! Let us not forget the 500 or so that Perkasa may muster and UMNO Youth's 1,000-odd. So all in, 501,500 on July 9.

This is the Magic number joining the Rally. It would really be nice to see UMNO Youth and Perkasa joining hands with Bersih activists. This will pave the way for a united nation. However, both groups - Perkasa and UMNO Youth - should not forget to wear yellow as well.

Proving a Rascal right

Imagine, marching together against the most powerful entity in the country, the Election Commission, that has continuously fouled up our political system and causing gross injustice to our nation and its people. The cheek of it! They are the real enemy, and not BN, or Perkasa or Pakatan Rakyat.

Imagine BN Political leaders with their reputations restored by standing in free and fair elections, and winning by their own merit. At the same time, the political rejects will be ousted free and fair.

The March can be divided into 4 different sections, with VIPs, Heads of NGOs and Politicians in the front, followed by the general

public following close behind, the Civil Service like the Police and the Army in third spot, and NGO representatives closely behind. Perkasa and Ibrahim Ali can be at the end spot to protect the Rally, in case of any unruliness from bystanders.

Maybe it is time for BN to shed their inhibitions. Come, join hands with the Bersih Rally and reunite with the rest of Malaysia for a better future for our children and children’s children. It really is not too late. The Rally is less than 3 weeks away, ample time to take leave, buy a yellow t-shirt and join the cause.

If that happens, after the general election, a new dawn can emerge as our new nation wakes up to a new beginning, without corruption, racial divisions, meritocratic, freedom of expression, new found civil rights, equality and real unity.

As a rascal once said, Malaysia Boleh! It is just how you go about doing it, that's all.

- Malaysia Chronicle