Divide-and-rule blamed for Bersih 4 racial imbalance
Penang PKR blames years of "divide and rule" policy for the seeming racial imbalance at the Bersih 4 rally.
"Since deeply infuenced by racial politics, some Malayd fear and treat new ideas with reservations," Zulkifli said during a sharing and discussion session on Bersih's rally in Bukit Mertajam last night.
Held at PKR's Machang Bubok service center, the event was also attended by local assemblyman Lee Khai Loon, DAP Bukit Mertajam MP Steven Sim and social activist Ong Jing Cheng.
"While the Chinese is facing reality, Malays are reacting to it based on their own perspectives.
"We can’t place all the blame on them, they are affected and influenced by the system," he added.
He cited an example where Malay support for Umno was still strong despite the alleged 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) scandal.
"This shows that Malays are in fear that if Umno or PAS lose in the elections, it will be doomsday for Malays," Zulkifli said.
The 34-hour mammoth rally was held on Aug 29 and 30 in Kuala Lumpur and was criticised heavily for being dominated by ethnic Chinese participants.
This was in contrast to the previous rallies where more Malay participants took part as it was driven by the various political parties including PAS.
Pretend justice exists, and demand it
Meanwhile, DAP's Bukit Mertajam MP Steven Sim said the time has come to reflect about what one must do after the rally.
"While we await the system to be transformed by the big guys, the grand coalition whatever, my one simple practical advice for the rest of us post-Bersih 4 is this: pretend that good exists.
"Pretend that democracy exists, good governance exists, human rights exist, justice exists," he said.
"What I mean is this, take for example justice; live as if there is justice, you may seem naive, people may laugh at you, but demand justice, pursue it, and provide it.
"It will always be easier and more convenient to pay our way out but no, pretend and live as if justice exist," he added.
Sim urged the people to continue to demand good governance from governments at all levels: local, state and federal.
As for democracy, Sim said the people must campaign and vote for change as if all of that really matter.
"As if changes will come, as if the regime will honour your votes and your voices.
"As if the election is not rigged - yes I know it's naive, I told you so - demand and pursue democracy as if it is real, even here in Malaysia," he added.
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