LETTER | May 9, 2021 was the third anniversary of the people’s power tsunami that swept Malaysia into a new dawn. In an unprecedented move, Malaysians voted in a new government, effectively bringing BN’s rule to a close.

We are reminded of the years of struggles by the civil society organisations (CSO) to educate the rakyat on our rights, our voices and the value of one vote.

"The Sheraton Move" was also an unfortunate unprecedented move when Malaysia and the world saw the collapse of a democratically elected government, to be taken over by a government that was not voted by the people, nor of the people.

But the hope of aspiration for real change, after successive waves of political connivance that enables grand corruption and massive human rights abuses that continue unabated, remains alive. It is the courage and strength of the people to make that decision of the type of government to bring in.

Congratulations are still in order to the people of Malaysia from the world as an example of a peaceful and successful transition of government. It was the dawn of a new era of reforms agenda-driven government, while it has been slow but the train for change had certainly begun.

There were negative political forces using race and religion to bring down a legitimate government, and as a civilised society, we detest that.

There is a continuous disappointment of political manoeuvrings and party frogging that is revolting to the will of the people. Democracy is the power of citizens to decide the future of the nation, and not politicians deciding among politicians. This is a betrayal and must serve as a lesson that enough is enough. We need a new policy and legal framework to safeguard the citizens’ democratic rights against the hunger of political greed and ambitions.

Let’s get Malaysia back on her proud feet through reforms, good governance, and human rights. We were once a proud beacon globally but that was rudely stolen. It is time to reassert the will of the people through elections.

It is time to ensure all institutions are functioning including the Parliament. It is time to respect the intellect of the people by giving us progressive reforms and not recoil into the throes of racism and religious narrow-mindedness.

Malaysia cannot stomach this political situation anymore. We, the people, want a Malaysia that is carved out to ensure there is mutual respect and a rightful place for all. The date of May 9, 2018, will always be a significant and historic milestone in Malaysia’s history of democracy and to remind ourselves of the peoples’ power.

May justice, equity, and democracy prevail over us in years to come.

The CSO Platform for Reform is a coalition of 80 civil society organisations focusing on institutional reforms.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.