The Bersih 5 rally will be held on Nov 19 from 10am to 6pm.

Demonstrations are an indispensable process in the democratic progress. Every demonstration symbolises the advancement of the citizens and the progress of the country’s democracy. The Universiti Malaya Association of New Youth (Umany) hereby urges all the university students and rakyat to attend the Bersih 5 rally with the reasons as below:

1) Demonstration symbolises a hope for change.

In the era of tyranny and corruption in our bureaucratic system, Malaysia is now in a very problematic situation. Our Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak is still in power although he is the suspect who is involved in massive corruption scandal; gerrymandering is on its way although protests have been done; existence of draconian laws such as Universities and University Colleges Act (AUKU), Sedition Act and National Security Act that gives our prime minister unlimited power.

This is besides, racial and religious issues, as well as economic malaise produced by the BN government which have caused serious segregation among Malaysians. The hope of change can be realised, not only in general elections, but also through demonstrations. For every time we take to the streets, we wat to deliver a clear message to the government and every rakyat - we are still awake and we are still eager for change.

2) Protest on gerrymandering

After the redrawing of constituencies boundaries, 113 out of 222 electoral districts have been affected. The numbers of voters in BN’s strongholds are less affected but the numbers of voters in the opposition’s consittuencies have been altered severely.

Petaling Jaya North (PJ North) constituency is proposed by the Election Commission to be changed its name to ‘Damansara’, and number of voters increases from 80,000 to 150,000, which is the biggest constituency in history. There is also a vast difference in number of voters between Damansara and Sabak Bernam (with the least number of voters, 37,000), which constitutes about 400 percent of difference.

Obviously, the spirit of ‘one man, one vote’ has lost. To fight against this unfair and dirty election, not only can we file our complains to the Election Commission, but we can also express our dissatisfaction through the Bersih rally. The more people who are aware of the unfairness in elections, the greater the power of the people to oppose the wrongdoings of the current government.

3) The system of checks and balances failed

While Najib is still holding his position as a prime minister, this keeps reminding us that institutions that are supposed to be independent are severely damaged. The days are still dark. The judicial system has been controlled by the BN regime, whereas the power of the BN government that has a majority of the seats in Parliament is expanding non-stop.

The attorney-general is now allegedly working hand in glove with the prime minister, while the rakyat were helplessly witnessing the power that is supposed to prosecute Najib is now cooperating to destroy the check-and-balance system.

In Parliament, the opposition is always targeted by the speaker and even Najib’s alleged scandal is forbidden to be discussed. The whole system of checks and balances is now a joke to the world. What kind of democracy are we talking about when there is no way at all to take actions against Najib?

Hence, the voice of the rakyat plays a crucial role. The more people take to the streets, the more dissatisfaction can we mount on Najib. The beauty of protest will then be exhibited through this rally.

4) Students are the eyes of the society

For our friends, for every student, we have always been intellectuals who take on the responsibility of passing the torch of social awareness. At this critical time, the message brought by students taking to the streets means a lot to the society as a whole. It is definitely a slap in the face of those in power when all students are willing to stand up regardless of race and religion.

We need to tell the government that we will not be confused by those who keep playing race and religion cards. Our eyes are clear, clear for us to see the abuse of power by the authoritarian regime, and clear for us to see the devastating consequences of corruption. Let us take on the responsibility of a citizen and a student. Let this demonstration dispel the darkness and propel our democracy.

Lastly, we would like to stress once again the importance of each and every participation. We urge students as well as all the rakyat to join the Bersih 5 rally on Nov 19 to be a part of the movement. Let us embark on the journey of progress and be the vanguards of change. Let us meet at the street!

Endorsed by:

1. Universiti Malaya Association of New Youth (Umany)
2. Malaysia Youth and Students Democratic Movement (Dema)
3. Students Unity Front UKM (SUFUKM)
4. Students Progressive Front USM (SPFUSM)
5. Persatuan Bahasa Tionghoa USM
6. Students Progressive Front UUM (SPF UUM)
7. UTM Chinese Students Council