On Feb 3, 2020, three former political adversaries hatched a new alliance which led to the demise of the Pakatan Harapan government.
The venue was the Sheraton Hotel and the name would be forever etched in the Malaysian political lexicon.
Umno, PAS and Bersatu had formed the union to safeguard the interests of race and religion which, according to them, were eroding under the rule of ‘liberal’ marionettes cavorting to DAP's tune.
Months later, this pact began to unravel when Umno, whose leaders were facing the prospect of incarceration, plotted their return to the seat of power.
Another political coup was orchestrated, and the third prime minister was sworn in since the 2018 general election.
With the situation in constant flux, those who struggled and voted for change were crushed, disillusioned and repulsed.
Former Bersih chairperson Ambiga Sreenevasan was one of them.
“When the Sheraton Move happened and the pandemic became worse, all of us felt helpless,” she told Malaysiakini in a recent interview.
“For a long time, I too felt shattered and gave up hope and thought perhaps others would find the energy to continue the fight.
“We watched the unnecessary Emergency declaration and suspension of Parliament and many did speak up.”
However, Ambiga stressed that recent events made it evident that silence is not an option.
“We saw Umno and the gang resorting to some of its old tricks with the Securities Commission and the judiciary. The law did not seem to matter, and with the floods and other crises, it was as if we were in a free fall.
“Then I realised that we can never give up the fight against abuse of power. Irresponsible leaders count on the silence of the people in such situations.
“Nobody has learned from the last general election or the Sheraton Move. They believe that people will put up with any nonsense.
“This is the reason why I decided that we cannot remain silent but must continue the fight for our democracy. Everyone must speak up.
“I was happy to see so many youths voicing their concerns and protesting despite the difficulties of doing so during the pandemic. We must also speak up to support them.”
Give people message of hope
Concerned about the voter turnout in the next general election, Ambiga said it is important to inspire the people again.
She also underscored the importance of an anti-hopping law to prevent politicians from deceiving the voters.
“People were inspired during GE14. This time around, I am worried people may not even come out to vote.
“After the Sheraton Move, people lost faith in the electoral system.
“Unfortunately, we are in this position because of a few who showed little regard for the efforts of the people to bring change and to what the people wanted. That is why the anti-hopping law is critical to restoring the trust of the people in the system.
“We must rebuild the spirit in the people to fight for change again. Change is never easy. If you thought the last election solved all our problems, it didn't and it couldn't have. We have to accept that change will take much longer and much more effort.”
To re-energise the ground, Ambiga, who is also a former Malaysian Bar president, stressed the importance of new faces.
“DAP has done this. They have a new line-up of leaders. Muda also presents us with new and impressive choices. However, we need more, much more.
“The opposition must give the people new hope and a new narrative which resonates with them. Right now, Harapan is not doing either of that...
“They have not even sorted out their own house yet. What is with this small tent or big tent? Elections are around the corner and they can’t decide on the size of their tent. So people still don’t see a cohesive opposition.
“But no matter how fed up we are with Harapan, the 'Umno and Co' option is, in my view, worse. My real fear however is that people may not even see Harapan as a viable option and they will not go out to vote at all.
“So I urge people to view this situation as part of the process of change and let us hope Harapan grows up immediately and gives us something which we can fight for.”
Harapan should stick to principles
Asked if it is wise for Harapan to cooperate with those who betrayed the coalition, Ambiga conceded that it is a cause for concern.
“It is frightening that Harapan finds itself in a position where it might have no choice but to work with people who betrayed it. I don't like it one bit, to be honest. And I do not believe working with, for example, PAS will be acceptable at all to Harapan supporters.
“Although I initially thought some loose electoral pact may work, I now think it’s best to stick to principles and work with like-minded and trustworthy parties.
“The problem with some parties in Harapan is the lack of new leaders. I am saddened that we are in this state and I blame the politicians for this.
“Since the Sheraton Move, all the opposition has done is whine about this and that, and blame everyone else. Instead of coming together and assuring the people that they have a plan for the elections. This has led to an erosion in confidence.”
Responding to another question, Ambiga said it was not a mistake for Harapan to choose Dr Mahathir Mohamad as the leader for GE14 as he did take the coalition across the finish line.
On whether Anwar Ibrahim should also step aside, she reiterated that new faces are needed across the board.
“I don't want to get personal but I think there is a need for new faces all around. Don't forget, I am a fan of Lim Kit Siang, the greatest statesman in the country. He did the right thing by stepping down.
“All that talk that there is no one else (to replace a particular leader) is rubbish. There is always someone else.
"Others who should retire should do so gracefully and for the country. It is about how much a person is willing to sacrifice for this nation.” - Mkini
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