Will Bersih shine when Ambiga fades?

Successful, well-heeled, hailing from an illustrious family and possessing impressive credentials, it appears that there was no reason for Ambiga Sreenevasan to become entangled in street protests and turn herself into a target of derision among ruling politicians and their cadres, which included a group of ex-servicemen trained in posterior warfare.

But she did. And she became one of the most iconic figures in this nation, respected and admired by both supporters and detractors, the latter albeit with a grudge.

She became larger than the movement she led. On the streets, people mobbed her and requested autographs and photographs.

Even the Indian Malaysian community, across the economic divide, was smitten.

Her speeches drew thousands, who were more than willing to ignore her lack of fluency in the Tamil language and instead applauded her for attempting to speak in her mother-tongue.

Critics had alleged that ambition prompted Ambiga to take the reins in Bersih, being promised a prominent post should the opposition bloc seize federal power.

But the mother of two denied this, claiming that there were no vested interests and her struggle to reform the electoral process was non-partisan.

Whatever her motivation, Ambiga will be relinquishing her post at the end of this month. And the question now is whether Bersih will lose its appeal when its enigmatic leader steps down?

Bersih will continue to thrive

Ambiga does not think so and expressed her utmost confidence in the incoming leadership to keep the momentum going.

"I have great faith in the next leadership. I have worked alongside Maria Chin Abdullah ( right ), she was my right-hand in the running of Bersih and she has rightfully earned the leadership role.

"Rest assured, Bersih is in good hands," she told Malaysiakini .

Ambiga stressed that the time had come to move away from personalities and argued that Bersih was not dependent on this factor.

"It has grown in the hearts and minds of people, it is a movement which is ground up, rather than top-bottom and therefore, it will always have appeal," she said.

When pointed out that the influence of political parties tend to wane when powerful leaders retired, Ambiga dismissed this as an inaccurate comparison.

"Civil society movements are different from political parties because there is one cause and that cause binds people together. It is based on principles," she explained.

"Bersih has touched the hearts of ordinary people, the message is simple and one worth fighting for. It is a movement that cuts across all levels of society.

"Don't forget, we also have a global Bersih network which developed on its own, so I am confident that Bersih will continue to sail regardless of who captains the ship," she said.

"I believe you cannot be person-centric, or else a movement becomes too dependent on the person. We believe in rejuvenation, to give everyone a chance, especially the young," she added.

People won't give up

Generally, Malaysians, especially those who voted for change in the last general election, are suffering from political fatigue and there appears to be a prevailing defeatist attitude.

To them, changing the government has become a next-to-impossible task given the ruling coalition's control over the state apparatuses and the Election Commission's perceived partisan stance.

Against this backdrop, it is doubtful whether Bersih rallies in the future will hold the same kind of traction as in the past.

Ambiga, however, was optimistic.

"People won't give up. Not at all. Malaysians are really interested in the building of democracy. That is why Bersih will always have appeal. People have rallied to Bersih like bees to honey.

She said Malaysians look to Bersih to provide leadership in the on-going and difficult struggle for democracy in this country. "More than anything else, there is a need for Bersih, so people will make it work."

Despite stepping down together with national laureate A Samad Said ( left ) as Bersih co-coordinators, Ambiga said she would continue to play a role in the electoral reform movement.

"I am not sure what is the exact role that I will play, for that will depend on the incoming committee.

"I will continue advocating for Bersih... it is not a movement that you can leave. It is in my heart and soul. The work doesn't stop, but the role played may be different."