Melanie Ng writing from Perth, Australia
I am not a Malaysian but I am married to a Malaysian and both my children were born in Malaysia. We have been members of a Bersih group in Perth, Australia for the past year. It all started before 709. We had been keeping an eye on what was happening in Malaysian politics and really felt that it was time the country had a different government. We knew that corruption was the root cause of all Malaysias problems and the country was controlled by an elite few.
We were so impressed by the younger generations determination to make a better future for themselves and the future generations of Malaysians. It was now evident that the countries polls had always been tampered with and that is why BN had won 2/3 majorities every election. The country was on the verge of bancrupsy and the government was overspending whilst the people were struggling to make ends meet. Something had to give. The people wanted democracy in its true sense and not just a token.
We joined the rally on 709 at the Malaysian Consulate in Adelaide Terrace, Perth. There were over 100 people who turned up to support the cause. Many of these were Malaysians affected by the blatant descrimination and lack of good education back home. They were migrants who had found a home here so that there children could have equal rights and a brighter future. Some were students, some tourists and some just concerned Malayians who wanted to be a part of his new movement for change.
I must admit I was really surprised to see my husband taking up this cause with a passion as years before he was jus a fence-sitter with a “tidak apa” attitude. Now he was shouting Berish with all his heart. I was very proud of him. My children did their bit too even though they had not lived in Malaysia for more than 5 years. it was still their birthplace and they felt strongly that all people should be equal and that governments should take care of their people rather than their own selfish needs.
It was a great day and it filled us all with a great sense of pride that we had taken the initiative to voice our concerns. I have always taught my children to stand up for their rights to whomever is trying to control them. Their willingness to help their fellow Malaysians back home is highly commendable in my book. I hope this encourages many more people to write about their experiences for the Bersih movement. I would really like to hear your stories.
