Bersih 2.0 is proud that in spite of all the obstacles and hindrances that we were forced to face, Malaysians of all walks of life overcame the oppressive acts of the police to come out peacefully and in incredibly large numbers to show their love for their country and for the principles of justice.
We are nonetheless horrified that several hundred people have been detained, many of them without any justification whatsoever.
We particularly condemn the arrests of Dato’ Ambiga Sreenevesan and Maria Chin Abdullah, 2 members of the Bersih 2.0 Steering Committee.
The only violence witnessed was perpetrated by the police, who unleashed immense amounts of tear gas and chemical laced water on innocent members of the public. Police also baton charged those who gathered, injuring many and some very seriously.
In one of the worst acts of violence, police fired tear gas into the compound of Tung Shin Hospital, severely jeopardizing the health not only of the rakyat who had sought refuge there, but the patients there as well. This was one of only various acts of totally unwarranted violence by the police against a rakyat who had exercised their constitutional right to gather peacefully.
We are especially proud of the great discipline and peacefulness shown by all the brave Malaysian who dared to stand up today (9/7/2011) for what was right.
Today’s (9/7/2011) gathering is not the end, it is but one more step in the long walk for clean and fair elections in Malaysia. The campaign continues, to work for electoral reform, the release of all detainees, and an end to harassment by the authorities. The struggle continues in the courts of law, the corridors of power, and the hearts of all the rakyat.
Althought our attempt to submit a memorandum to DYMM SPB YDP Agong did not take place today, we will make appropriate arrangements to deliver the memorandum when the police have calmed down.
In the meantime, we call on all Malaysians to continue to work to peacefully achieve clean and fair electoral process in our country. Inspired by their bravery and steadfast commitment, we will never rest in our efforts to work together as one people to bring about a better Malaysia.