By The Malaysian Insider
July 14, 2011

JULY 14 — We are not interested in the politicians who lined up behind Bersih 2.0 or those who chose to fight against the cause of clean and free elections.

We are interested in the thousands of Malaysians (not Malays, Chinese or Indians or Kadazans, etc) who marched together in solidarity and love for each other and the millions at home who are realising that we are more similar than different.

It is sad that we needed adversity to tell us that we accept each other as Malaysians and that polarisation and racial divide is the creation of politicians, especially those in power.

It is perhaps even more disappointing (disgusting even) that the Najib administration and the state-sponsored media continue to demonise Malaysians who took part in the march as lawbreakers and unruly hooligans.

Don’t they realise that they should be thankful to the organisers of Bersih 2.0 and the Malaysians who turned out because this occasion brought down racial and religious barriers between people. This sentiment of each Malaysians feeling a sense of belonging and patriotism for the country should be cherished and talked about.

Bersih 2.0 did what 1 Malaysia and APCO and all the highly-priced consultants were unable to do: create a sense of patriotism and togetherness.

And yet, day in and day out, you have Utusan Malaysia, the NST and other media treating Malaysians who marched with disdain. And, in some cases, outright lies.

The question is where do we go from here? We should not leave it to politicians from both sides of the divide.

Nor should we bother with what the paid propagandists tell us.

Bersih should become the umbrella of all Malaysians who want the feeling of oneness and patriotism and love for each other. If some political groups want to embrace this concept, so be it. But on non-negotiable terms of promoting oneness.

How can anyone who wants the best for beloved Malaysia be against the pure ideals of Bersih 2.0?

For a start, those who believe in the cause of a better country for all should make yellow our colour. This can be in form of a piece of cloth on your front gate, a wrist band. But, more importantly, a commitment not to be cowed by threats or a campaign of disinformation.