The Bersih March for Free and Fair Elections was held on Nov 10. [Tens of] thousands of Malaysians witnessed the submission of a petition to the King's private secretary.

Many more thousands who were unable to participate can be satisfied that this historic and peaceful expression of solidarity has taken place and that the administration of Abdullah Ahmad Badawi heard the loud and clear call for electoral reform.

The response of the government, via the mainstream media outlets that it controls, has been muted and muddled. Ministers, the police and public officials and their formidable spin machine have been working overtime with a reactive public relations campaign to demonise Bersih leaders and the marchers.