To march or not to march?

That’s the question posed by one of my friends in his FB last week. My response was if we love our country, the answer is obvious. Well, it’s not so obvious now after the Agong issued a statement late last night. Even though the Government would have a hand in drafting the statement, it is still one that came from the King. I think it is a fair statement with the purpose of defusing a very tense situation. It can be used by both the parties to find a solution and to save face although for BN the damage has already been irreparable.

For me, it offers some relief that a solution may be found so as to avoid confrontation. It will be a lie to say that I am not fearful. Those in power has gone mad and are more than willing to use their claws to used the expression of our PM. But I keep telling myself the freedom from fear is a very precious freedom and we have to protect it at all cause. However, fear can works both ways. It can either lead you to do stupid and irrational things like what our Government is doing or it can lead to you deeper reflection to find alternatives protecting you from unnecessary dangers.

I think it will be very difficult for Bersih to continue with the rally without losing substantial support. A look at the comments in cyberworld seems to suggest that many Bersih supporters think well of the Agong’s statement. For those hardcore ones who said the Agong didn’t explicitly prohibit the rally, I think they have missed the point. If the Agong has been explicit as one sultan has done, these people would have condemned him.

For PR, if they push ahead with the rally, they will give ammo to BN/PERKASA to blast them for being derhaka. They will stand to lose support especially from the Malay voters. If they back off, no one can accuse them anymore of disrespecting the royalty. The BN because of their stupidity and arrogance in handling this matter would have lost substantial support from those fence sitters. What more can PR ask for?

The purpose of a rally is to publicize to the whole world your cause. That is why it cannot be confined to a stadium as some people suggested. Stadiums are meant for sporting events. I think due to the overreaction from the Govt, many have come to know about Bersih and their demands for electoral reform. The citizens are being made more aware now of why without electoral reforms, our democracy is a sham one. One party will always remain in power despite how badly they govern. It is even possible for them to win less than 50% of the votes and remain in power through gerrymandering. As such, I feel the objective of the rally has been made. I think no one has the illusion that the rally will going to immediately lead to the fulfillment of all the 8 demands. These will have to wait until BN loses power.

The Agong has called on the Government to act in a wise and just manner. As such, the police should stop their high handed action. Recognize Bersih. Grant to Bersih’s committee an audience with the Agong to submit their memo. Most important of all, immediately release Dr. Jeyakumar and 5 other PSM members. If all that happens, I will be happy to stay at home on 9/7 wearing a yellow T-shirt. Pray that reason will prevail.

Kyrie eleison - Lord have mercy.