Seriously, I don’t know how many of the demonstrators for yesterday’s Bersih 4 rally are as naive and unrealistic as some of you may think, likening this to the Egyptian Uprising or expecting a miracle outcome of a quick victory. Apart from the rally’s main objectives, the strongly-stressed ‘peaceful assembly’ theme is essentially the core of Bersih 4.

The protest isn’t only used by those few extremist wackos who engage in violence but, rather, by the majority of the demonstrators who wish to express their opinions and to declare their objection and disapproval of matters and issues concerning their country and its interests.

Although ‘normal channels’ should be used in lieu of protest, the people are deterred to do so because the government readily engages in conduct that accomplishes the goals of weakening or destroying such channels through political censorship. I don’t think any examples are needed here with regards to that.

Many, including myself, feel that the normal channels are biased in favour of the privileged and powerful and protesters generally champion causes of those not with power. We have raised our voices in other forms of political action - such as voting, campaigning etc - but we feel our voices have not been heard.

I am not advocating that we stop using normal channels. I simply believe that we should not unilaterally reject protest as one of the tools to further our PROGRESSIVE goals.

One myth is that protesters are the fringe elements of society and extremists who disrupt society with violent measures. It is probably more accurate to say that in some protests, like Bersih, the protesters will be the powerless of society. The truth is most protests or civil disobedience are predominantly non-violent.

Fortunately most of us do not get our inspiration from watching too much CNN or BBC. Bloodshed and burnt houses are just inconceivable to us, peace-loving Malaysian. We detest violence. Bersih 4-goers protest without the intention of marching into and taking over any government headquarters. Neither do we wish to aggravate the authorities or to kick and throw punches at them.

We go prepared with the knowledge and tools that can alleviate us from the effects of tear gas and water cannons not because we look forward or want that to happen to us (in fact, that would be everyone's most dreaded situation) but as a precaution and protection because we know very well that the authorities would not hesitate to use these weapons to disperse the crowds.

We know the risks involved and we are scared (trust me, we are). Still, we have decided that it is necessary for us to go ahead and do what we can manage to support what we want and what we believe would be better for our country and its people, for us and our children and their future generations (perhaps this isn’t applicable to those who are fortunate enough to have their children educated overseas or their children’s future planned elsewhere?

I’m not sure but I have to admit I am one of those lucky parents though). True, sometimes a few crazies will try to stir things up but police violence at protests is often directed at all protesters, many who have done no wrong.

The truth is that our police engage in more violence at protests than most protesters, except that violence is called legitimate. The irony is that any violence that may be charged against a protester is called terrorism whereas when the government uses violence and wrongful, excesses force against the protesters, that violence is deemed legitimate.

Like I have mentioned earlier, the government’s much-preferred channels (public opinion, institutional advocacy etc) for us to protest are not strong and effective enough for most of us and Bersih 4 is one of the alternative and legitimate channel which we feel is important in influencing and helping our goals.

The power of protest to create awareness and to alert the public to critical issues is significant and undeniably effective to help us in achieving our PROGRESSIVE goals. Whether the impact of political protests are a cause of any political change or are they an effect of the same, political rallies do indeed have significant and long-term effects on both political behaviour and policy making.

Looking back at the first general election (GE) I’ve voted in 1999 and the progress that we have made so far, it is such a stark contrast. How is that not progress? How is that not success?

Our government squashed protests and is extremely resistant to them because they are seen as an effective mean of political action. The government knows that protest is an effective tool to implement change and to create awareness and educate the public about issues. Apart from influencing political views, another benefit of protests is the expansion of outreach to different groups not aligned previously.

Why would the government portrayed peaceful, non-violent protests such as Bersih 4 a disruption to society and civil disobedience? If it is not a serious threat to their power, if they are not seen as effective, why would they take so many steps to repress dissent and to deter protests? Our government recognize the value and effectiveness of political protest, why can't we?

A waste of time?

Through the lens of history we know that a revolution does not happen overnight - and it might be better if it doesn't happen overnight. Impatience is a classic trait of revolutionaries but short-term euphoria might end in long-term suffering. After all, ‘Rome wasn’t built in a day’ but they were laying bricks every hour.

The problem is that it can really be easy to overestimate the importance of building your Roman empire and underestimate the importance of laying another brick . Actually Rome is the result, the bricks are the system. The system is greater than the goal. Focusing on your habits is more important than worrying about your outcomes.

All greatness and major accomplishment need time, effort, patience and sacrifice. We have to realize the immensity and scale of the change that we all want far exceeds anything this country has ever seen since its Independence. Yo! This isn't the Operasi Bersepadu Khas! But that shouldn't stop and discourage us from taking the steps, no matter how small, to lay the bricks and pave the path toward our goals.

Do you not agree that we are the only ones that can affect the change we so desperately want? Yes, you and me, the people. Do not underestimate the power of your voice and use the power in your hands wisely. Our future will not be determined by chance, but rather by the choices we make today. The decisions we make today will shape the future of our nation and country.

I do hope this can open up the minds of those who are already supporting and sharing the same common cause and goal as the rest of us but believe and tell us that Bersih is just a waste of our time or other kinds of discouraging words. I know some of you have your own and good reasons and choose not to attend. I can understand and respect that. I won’t be offended or angry and neither will I probe nor judge. I am fine with that, really, I am.

Even if you cannot understand what we are doing, just don’t make it hard for the people who are willing to lay the bricks today, not only for them and their future generations, but for yours too.

We definitely don’t expect to be thanked but if you really are that tight-lipped to utter any supportive words like ‘We are with you’ or ‘Stay safe!’, then please, can you just SHUT UP? We can do with and we won’t mind even that kind of silent support, really.

And for those that cannot be with us there later, thank you for all your support (a friend offered to drop me off at my intended destination point in the city, some sent me useful references and web links with regards to the rally and others remind me about my to-bring list). We appreciate that with all our hearts.

These support gives us the strength and courage to take part in this protest (some seem to think it’s like a party for us) and keeps us in our highest and best spirits.

We, the Bersih 4-ers simply want to exercise the constitutionally recognised right of the people to petition our government. Give protest a chance for a better Malaysia. Support us!

“The revolution is not an apple that falls when it is ripe. You have to make it fall.” - Che Guevera

“The revolution will come from the people and the willingness to work towards something better, to fight for a better living.” - Ziggy Marley

“Change will not come if we wait for some other person, or if we wait for some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” - Barack Obama

“We must become the change we wish to see in the world.” - Mahatma Gandhi

Well, I hope the next time when you say “Everyone is entitled to their opinions” when one of us tries to point out to you that this and all the past Bersih aren’t a waste of our time, you would not just claim the above statement before having given the issue more profound and analytical thoughts.

The statement “Everyone is entitled to their own opinions” means everyone has the right to think whatever they want and being allowed to express those views. However, many who say this are often using it in the wrong context, claiming such to shoe in their opinion, no matter how ill informed. They seem to think all opinions are equally valid.

This beautiful mindset is easily confused by some who think just because they have the right to an opinion, they have the right to have their opinion taken seriously on any and every topic.