Groundbreaking change does not happen overnight, at least not in Malaysia where it takes a special blend of circumstances to rouse people to fury.
That process started late last year and spilled over into this year. From then, it was only a matter of time until pent-up frustration burst. And it did.
History was made, but it did not stop there. It has been an exhilarating and inspiring year - it will be a long time before anyone climbs down from the emotional high.
Counting down, we take you through the best and the worst of 2008.