Location: Martin Place, Sydney, Australia
Time: 28 Apr, 2pm +10UTC
Number of participants: 500+
For the first time ever, Global Bersih reaches the rakyat of Manchester in a historic event comprising Malaysians from all walks of life and cultures. As early as 10am, an estimated 150 people mostly from Manchester, but also as far as Sheffield, Leeds and Liverpool massed up to create the traditional yellow movement we have seen across the entire globe today.
People were attending in joyful mood, knowing that this is the RAKYAT’s day. A day to demand their constitutional right for a free and fairer election. Many were wearing the official BERSIH 3.0 T-Shirt with the Manchester tag printed on it. Some were slightly outdated with Bersih 2.0 shirts, nonetheless their voices were as strong. A number wore masks and one in particular stood out wearing the popular Guy Fawkes mask from V for Vendetta film. Not to forget the five spongebob squarepant stooges making a grandiose appearance halfway through the ceremony.
The historic ceremony were largely filled by the voices of the supporters singing the national anthem NegaraKu followed by chants and slogans that could be heard in the heart of the city throughout the 2 hour event. A special message from Datuk Ambiga was read to the crowd along with a speech by Dr Teoh from the NGO, MyOverseasVote. There were also ‘Sajaks’ read by spirited supporters. The event was also made memorable as few supporters including an aged “pakcik” shared with the crowd what Bersih fight meant for them.
To conclude, the first ever Bersih event in Manchester was certainly a success and we are proud to join the ever growing list of cities globally in our fight to upheld justice in our own homeland. Although change will not happen today, it will certainly not stop those brave and determined supporters knowing that the movement will continue to grow stronger, as it has shown today.
