I must admit that I did not expect the Bersih 4 rally to pass without incident. The signs of trouble were all there. The police declaring the rally as unlawful, even though they have no such powers under the Peaceful Assembly Act. The warnings issued to civil servants and students not to participate in the rally, on pain of disciplinary action. The ridiculous order issued by the Home Ministry, making any publication related to Bersih 4 into an “undesirable publication”, including yellow-coloured clothing bearing the words “Bersih 4”.
I also had security concerns about the rally itself. PAS' non-participation in the rally also meant that its Unit Amal volunteers, a constant security fixture in previous rally, would not be present. I was also worried about the overnight stay as there was nothing to stop troublemakers from disrupting the rally in the dead of night.
Win a prize this Mother's Day by subscribing to our annual plan now! T&C applies.
