Bet you all didn’t know that there were 2 rallies in KL yesterday.
Well, neither did I.
In fact, I think BERSIH were not aware of this either.
No-one was.
Apparently, there was one that was effectively put down by the police and another that slipped throught the security net and made its way to His Majesty’s palace.
I guess the mainstream media got a scoop on this story to the exclusion of all others. Even the foreign media didn’t get a whiff of this.
You can get the report on the failed rally in the “RM1.50 value for your money ” Sunday Star which has it that police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowd which numbered at about 4,000. Shame that there are no photos depicting this successful police operation.
This blog, and the the numerous that are linked below will give you a ‘value for no money’ report on the rally that succesfully reached His Majesty’s palace.
___________________________
Word was out that roads into KL were being closed or traffic coming in being subjected to police checks. Rumoured that train services into KL might be closed.
So Tony and I got in by 11am, dumped Tony’s car in Brickfields and joined Gan and Benny on the walk to Central Market.
Hung around in KFC outside CM waiting for others. Continued to relay information about road closures to the centre set up to disseminate the info.
At about 2pm, this was the scene viewed from the Bar Council
and the road leading into Dataran Merdeka
By 2.30pm, Central Market starts to see a build-up of the gelombang kuning.
Hardly a few minutes off the starting block, the marchers from Central Market, numbering well over a 1,000, found themselves caught between a barricade of FRU at the front and the rear just as we reached Bank Pertanian.
Quick thinking by the Amal marshals saw them lead about half of this number through the narrow lanes between Bank Pertanian and the other buildings out onto the main road fronting the old Federal House.
The march was on.
We marched without knowing how many had already gone ahead before us, how many more were coming behind, or whether we would soon be greeted by any more security personnel at the turn of the next corner.
Certainly, I was not prepared for what I was soon to witness.
The umbrellas in the middle of the picture below shielded the delegation from the rain as it made its way through the crowd towards the palace gates to deliver the rakyat’s memorandum to His Majesty calling for the necessary reforms to ensure that the next elections are fair.
Soon after the memorandum was handed in, the call was made to disperse and, peacefully as the gelombang kuning had arrived, so too it retreated. It was only then that I got a sense of the sheer numbers that had made their way to the palace.
I put the number at between 40,000 and 50,000. Tony reckons it was more. Much, much, more.
If the pictures here give you the impression that it was a stroll for everyone who came out to be a part of this momentous civil society initiative, take a look at Kickdefella’s and Rockybru’s ‘value for no money’ report and the Al-Jazeera report.
Other ‘value for no money’ reports : YB Jeff Ooi , ShanghaiStephen , Tony Yew , Eli Wong , Pinkpau , Ancient Mariner , Shar101 , Melvin Mah , den-yel , Vijay Kumar
Credit to a monarch who has demonstrated that he has the well-being of his people at heart.
Credit to the anak-anak Bangsa Malaysia who made 10-eleven a historic day.
Credit to the Amal marshals, who did a marvellous job guiding the marchers to the palace. PAS has every reason to be proud of these young men.
Credit to the politicians who walked with us. There were no political slogans, banners or speeches to detract from the fact that this was principally a civil society initiative which had the support of political parties.
Credit to the Bar Council and its team of lawyers who were on duty to monitor the rally and to come to the aid of arrestees. At the time of this posting, I am informed by Bar Councillor Edmund Bon that from their records, all 34 arrestees have been released.
Finally, before I forget, to all those who did not attend the rally and march yesterday because you thought that there would be no need to as you were sure there would be others to make up the numbers, you owe a big ‘Thank You’ to Amri of Shah Alam.
He bore your responsibility on his shoulders.
Amri, it was an honour to walk with you.
10 – Eleven.
Let this remain our clarion call to come together as one people and restore democracy, good governance and justice for all.
The People's Parliament 
Alex Y
November 11, 2007
I was one of those at Masjid Jamek, awaiting the march to the palace when the police suddenly fired at the citizens who started gathering for the march in large numbers.
Many dispersed but many continued to stay which triggered many more ‘attacks’ by the FRUs which fired directly at the people. But the spirits of the people, I have to say never died off.
The people of Masjid Jamek I believe never really dispersed but took alternative routes to the palace, joining the long huge march which was taking place at that time.
Great day for the nation. There were rain, chemical-laden water, tear gas, 4000 police but I believe the citizens won in the end.
shar101
November 11, 2007
Moving along….
Let’s make ’10-Eleven’ our clarion call for change.
Let’s have the ’10-Eleven’ logo in yellow printed, distributed and used every Saturday until the next GE.
Let’s not lose momentum, for the first of many steps has been taken by 50,000 Malaysians, to restore democracy, good governance and justice for all.
10-Eleven, 10-Eleven, 10-Eleven.
Daulat Tuanku, Daulat Tuanku, Daulat Tuanku.
Ok, can some of the creative ones out there get to work and do a 10 – Eleven logo that can be carried on the blogs? Mob1900, what you say, kawan?
Shar, I love the idea. T-shirts with 10 – Eleven in yellow! Damn, I’ll wear that everyday until the GE!
sinniah
November 11, 2007
Harris,
YOur posting is the last I believe on the web regards the 10-Eleven. Well it was worth the wait. You put it nicely………..
It was a great feeling to be part of the crowd though this time the crowd was too big for each of us to bump into each other.
Onward from now on….no surrender, no retreat…
Gan
November 11, 2007
Thank you… thank you … for the show of solidarity.
chansey
November 11, 2007
For those who chose not to attend, SHAME ON YOU!
The difference between a boy and a hero is that the hero is brave for five seconds longer.
All it took was five seconds of your time to decide whether to join.
Those who chose to not attend, I hope that Amri will serve as an inspiration to you.
Next time, please join us. We don’t want you to miss out on history again.
rocky
November 11, 2007
I was there! what a turnout!!! I was surprised and all walks of life were there. The lrt skipped the masjid jamek stop.so me and another bloke who was in yellow teamed up. getting of at Dang wangi LRT was out of the questions…cops place mah. so we headed back to KL Sentral as this time even P.Seni stop was closed.and many people did the same by getting back to KL Sentral and all of us walked to the palace from there. Ypung and old. nothing was going to stop us from getting to the palace.what relive when we saw the crowd at the palace.
I met Amri at KL sentral on the way back. We took the same train back and chatted a bit. he was there all alone cos his other friends chickened out after hearing the threats from the police over the TV. Amri is the man of the rally!!! The brave one!!!
and hi to my new friend Hamzah. we marched together for the country bro!!
Daulat Tuanku!!!
Paul Warren
November 11, 2007
I walked the talk! And it was good!
How anyone could have felt any fear for anything untoward to have happened only shows little understanding of Bangsa Malaysia. I was in the midst of all that numbers who got showered by the FRU water canons and who were tear gassed. This was totally unnecessary! I am certain it was done so that there will be at least one bit of honesty in the reporting in the next day’s Sunday Star, The NST and all other media. Obviously it is the impression that that image creates in the minds of readers that is important. That this was something illegal and violent.
I spoke to pak chiks and mak chiks who were grand parents venting anger and frustration at the Prime Minister.
Hey, all that all of us wanted to do was to see our king and hand him a memorandum. What is so problematic about that?
Badawie, and just in case you don’t know, awie pronounced in tamil means spirit. And Bad awie, is bad spirit! Yes, Badawie, you wanted so much to stop the handing over of the memorandum that you first stopped the police from issuing a permit despite knowing the king had granted leave to Bersih organisers to deliver their petition on Saturday. You spited the king. The people spited you.
You threatened and you got your son-in-law to threaten that he could also muster a hundred thousand, presumably mat rempits, to cause chaos. Fact is both you and your son-in-law threatened and the police did not take notice and surely they will fail to take action against you for threatening chaos.
The people who walked yesterday came together with no political bias. We came together with just one thought. A clean election. There were Malays, Chinese and Indians. There were PAS, DAP, Keadilan and the rest of us who belonged to none of these. I never imagined being stuck in a crowd shouting Allah Hu Akhbar, And yet I too joined in in at least one of those chants. Yes I too chanted Daulat Tuanku. Yes we were Bangsa Malaysia yesterday. We walked hand in hand. Some of us smarted from your evil chemically laced water jets. But sorry mate, that did not stop us.
But I should say, thank you too. You made such an ass of yourself dealing with this matter, for those who walked, they had the opportunity to know what it felt like walking together as Bangsa Malaysia. That was a jewel.
To Paul and all those caught in the water cannon and tear gas fire, truly sorry for what you had to endure. Am just glad that there were no reports of serious casualties.
Paul, you did good. Sorry we missed each other yesterday.
Let’s catch up. Give me a call,bro.
fred
November 11, 2007
It was great to see you there, sir! This truly is history unfolding before our eyes!
Hafiz
November 11, 2007
I know that’s sarcasm but i heard rumor of another group, rowdy to say the least, turning up at the palace after bersih group left the area. unsure of the truth in that.
Siew Eng
November 11, 2007
In September, the monks in Burma made me cry. This weekend, it was the thousands of brave Malaysians who marched for electoral reforms, despite a clear threat from the prime minister and the police of a crackdown on them.
Madhaterz
November 11, 2007
After the 28 Sept 2007 memorable walk of our lawyers and now we have ten-eleven!!! I am so proud to be a Malaysian. I think 2008 will go down in the history of our nation. It’s the time we all stood up and tell the governing political parties they cannot go on manipulating the ballot box. We are in 2007 and they still want to keep the postal votes method – who are they trying to fool? This is the dumbest thing I have ever heard.
farida
November 11, 2007
The scariest part was when we were already on our way to Dataran Merdeka and I found myself with the others I came with at the tail-end of the Central Market group.
The FRU behind us were on the move and ahead of us loomed the barricade preventing us from reaching Dataran Merdeka. Suddenly there was this explosion of rapping sound.
I looked back to find the FRU hitting their shields with their batons in unison, as if in readiness to …. We just rushed forward into the crowd.
The wonderful marshalls were on hand to divert us to the pavement, into the alleys and onto the main road. There was no stopping us from then on.
Paul, glad you are okay.
Chrys
November 11, 2007
I was with the group that gathered at SOGO point. Got my first taste of tear gas but most of the people from that point retreated without much issue, except that i heard from others, 1 marcher was arrested.
We were retreated from Jln TAR, then to Jln Raja Laut and was directed to move to Jln Kuching. I believe we are one of the groups that was late and wasn’t able to reach Istana before rally is over.
I heard too that there was another group behind us when we were marching along Jln Kuching, who didn’t manage to reach Istana in time.
Cheers to everyone. Let’s not turn away from those that who didn’t attend the rally.
Unity is our strength and faith in making a better Malaysia.
Sagaladoola
November 11, 2007
Hi Haris,
After speaking with you in Central Market, I took the LRT to Bandaraya to meet up with another friend. Chat with a bunch of people. Seems like this is the first walk for most of them. And they say, this will not be the last. More and more people are taking the initiative to move things around rather than sit at home and making useless whining and complains.
I see this as a good sign.
By the way, KL looks good after the rain. I have never walked around KL with so many people and take my own sweet time enjoying the scenery.
I am lucky I did not get any tear gas or chemical water. Anyway, I would have persisted even if I caught that. It would be interesting to get it once. LOL.
My pictures and posts on BERSIH rally from Sagaladoola:
BERSIH: The Yellow Wave (Pics) Part 1
BERSIH: The Yellow Wave (Pics) Part 2
BERSIH: The Yellow Wave (Pics) Part 3
We have to BERSIH-kan Malaysia
Enjoy ….
Dan-yel
November 11, 2007
It was a classic “V for Vendetta” phenomenon. My friends and I were taken aback by the huge crowd, streaming out of thin air. Only just moments before the march starts, there were no signs of the rally to come. Nobody in yellow were in sight, it was disappointing at first. We thought maybe they just wanted to avoid being caught by the police. But then again, judging by everybody’s movement on the street, you can’t tell if they’re heading for Istana Negara or Merdeka Square. Everybody seem to go about their own usual business.
But then again, when we waited at McD near S&M, there were couple of people wearing usual attire who are my friend’s friends. They were actually intending to join the rally, by the look of them, you cannot tell, you may think they’re just out there hanging out with friends. Moments later, near 3 as we moved to MN, enormous mass of yellow were streaming towards the palace.
10-Eleven! Daulat Tuanku!
malaysianminx
November 11, 2007
anak bangsa malaysia in london also wanted their voices to be heard and had a small gathering in front of the malaysian student department in bayswater at 2.00 p.m. on saturday, 10 november.
kudos to the organisers and to those who turned up.
it is indeed heartening to see that anak bangsa malaysia want to make a change and that the feelings of determination resonate amongst anak bangsa malaysia around the world.
to those back home who turned up at dataran merdeka and made it to the palace, i salute all of you and am humbled by the determination and strength that all of you showed on 10-eleven.
constantia et virtute, goodness prevailed.
Moses Foo
November 11, 2007
I am glad that the march to petition the YDPA for a free and fair election went well despite the police security. I am glad that by and large it was a success and most are ok and that we drove the message that we the Malaysian people refuse and reject the label that any public assembly will violence. You demonstrated that on 10-Eleven. But please don’t draw a line and alienate those who weren’t there for whatever reason lest you find yourself a minority. Yes, we draw a line on arrogance, corruption, lies, thievery, and its gang but not the people, not even the police, the FRU. They need to be reach out too so that they will standby for trouble only, no longer the cause of trouble.
This is the opporturnity to be both creative and even more eloquence in overcoming the shackled and timid MSM news blackout and distortion to reach out to even more Malaysians about the case for reform, reformation in our election, reformation in our political structure, reformation in our civil society that reflect our plurality and diversity as Malaysians, where all can find their space and voices in unity and harmony.
All of you are our beacon of what Malaysia can be. There is no need to feel ashame in coming later and there is no need to shame anybody. What matter most is to restore her dignity and to bring forth our true potential. The journey has started and the road is long and ardous. We need one another for strength and for support. One may start it, another may end it. So…
AYUH MALAYSIA.
Hidup Malaysia!
Daulat Tuanku!
Daulat Tuanku!
Daulat Tuanku!
Moses,
It was never my intention to shame anyone by this post. If it came accross that way, I apologise.
It is my hope that those who chose to stay away will reflect on their reasons, look at the turnout of so many others, be inspired so that the next time we have to 10 – Eleven, there will be no seconf thoughts, no doubts, no fears.
ylchong
November 12, 2007
Haris:
I think Bursaa Malaysia may start a new category of shares headed Laughing Stocks, flagged off by Zam; and it’s anticipated NSTPP and The STarr Pubications would be transferred there as most appropriate to keep the Minister of Propaganda-ganda Wand Anda company:(
mervyn
November 12, 2007
This day 10-11-07, will be very much remembered by us Malaysians, for those who join and for those who dont but knew about it and eagerly waiting for news in blogs and CNN and aljazeera. Im awed to read the news in the star. What a big difference, 4,000 and foiled??? Please la Badawi n gang. Shame on you for not letting us march in peace and if u are so clean why are so scared?? Why?
Really after witnessing 10-11…we the bangsa malaysians who still hold high hopes on MAlaysia, will reunite and fight against ur bad management.
It doesnt take a fool to see the truth. And theres one police i donno what name, got interviwed on ntv7 saying the group dispersed after police interfere and group disband at 3pm. Well we did after successfully walking to Istana. POLICE whatever u say or do in future pose a big question mark. To say that in public media is..god im speechless. FOr those who march on 10-11, welldone and dont give up fighting for Malaysia for a true bangsa Malaysia. Spread the real message around ur friends and families.
To the fellas at 4th floor, “ptttuiiii” shame on you!!!
mervyn
November 12, 2007
By the way, ur tear gas and water cannons i think it work wonderful to the stupid mat rempits in the country,why use against the rakyat who is fighting for democracy and clean+fair election. Apa kau nak takut?? Apa??Tak paham aku…goblok betui.
Mlights
November 12, 2007
Bro. The IGP said 290 people arrested and released. But blog reports says 29…mana satu yang betul.??
I’ll place my trust on Edmund Bon of the Bar Council.
tomatoinc
November 12, 2007
Hi Haris,
THis is the few moments that i felt like a real Malaysians. While i sadly belongs to the 26.95mil malaysians who have yet to march for justice, believe me, the people voice is loud and clear…and we ll be there the next time.
In darkness, light shall prevail. Let’s us not lose our sight and momentum.
Regards,
tomatoinc,
Read Moses comment to this post and my joinder.
See you at the next 10 – Eleven
Neil
February 9, 2012
sapa2 yang kata dia tak soknog mana-mana parti dia bukan org pas
el
November 12, 2007
i seconded the suggestion to create a memorable 10-eleven…
People should not be afraid of their government
Governments should be afraid of their people
=V for Vendetta=
shar101
November 12, 2007
Haris,
In case if you’re wondering who coined ’10-Eleven’, I found it at Rocky’s:
http://rockybru.blogspot.com/2007/11/free-fair-clean.html
which, unfortunately, came in anonymously at 1.36pm.
If ’10-Eleven’ takes off as planned, we have to thank this person, whoever he or she is.
Meanwhile, I read elsewhere in the blogs, AI is trying to organise another assembly in three weeks time. C’mon bro, this is totally stupid of him to even suggest. Bersih’s Walk was not his to claim and exploit further. A lot of supporters, especially, apolitical ones will drop this movement if AI has his way. AI can proceed under the PKR mandate for all I care. But not Bersih.
Perhaps, it’s time to introduce the ‘Third Front’ with reluctant politicians. Anywayz, you know we have a hot potato to unload soon enough.
ainishamsi
November 12, 2007
Amri! We do owe u a huge thank you! THANK YOU!!!!
If only i’m at bolehland, i’ll walk with thousands of ppl who care!
mekyam
November 12, 2007
Thank you 10-Eleveners! Brave fellow Malaysians who make hearts burst with pride. We love you.
Thank you for walking for us who couldn’t (not wouldn’t)! We did keep up with you, virtually. Clicking between channels and hopping from news portal to news portal, blog to blog… hearts in our mouths, prayers in our hearts.
Thank you for braving the threats of Pak Lah’s goons to delivery the Bersih Memo to the King! That was almost a mission incredible.
Thank you to those who put up pictures on all the blogs and the vids on U-Tube. They’re heart-wrenchingly beautiful. Gelombang kuning, bright and fresh like thousands of frangipanis (kemboja) in the rain.
I devoured everything I could read and see about this historic day of ours. Puntuating Allahu-Akbar’s with Daulat Tuanku’s, I teared with every personal account of those who were there that I read. I’m so proud and touched and moved and envious at the same time.
But when I get to Amri of Shah Alam, my heart just explodes and the tears won’t stop…
Haris, that picture of Amri truly represents the indomitable spirit of Malaysians, of our people, of our country.
Thank you Amri, thank you all the Amris – you brave 10-Elveners!
splim
November 12, 2007
It is reported in today’s newspaper that the DPM said the demonstration achieved nothing but tore down the spirit of national unity that past leaders who had toiled so hard to build.
I never felt I love my Malay brothers and sisters more on that Saturday afternoon as I walked with them. It’s the Govt’s policies and actions that is tearing down the spirit of national unity.
10 Eleven marked the day the rakyat stood/walked as one.
ILoveMyCountry-Malaysia
November 12, 2007
My Timberland shoes were all wet, muddy and soggy. But it was worth it!!!
I am no hero nor a braveheart, and I admit I had trouble sleeping on Friday night and was all nervous when at the Kelana Jaya LRT station at 11.00am. When I reached Central Market, the presence of FRU made my stomach turned. But I had to do it, because I dont want my son to inherit a Malaysia rotten to the core. And many years down the line, should my son ask me about November 10, 2007, I dont want to tell him “Daddy was then shopping in 1-Utama while others marched”. I want to be able to look my son in the eye and say ” Daddy took part in that march on Nov 10!”.
I am proud I stood side by side in the rain with my fellow Malaysians on Nov 10.
Daulat Tuanku.
ILoveMyCountry-Malaysia,
Proud of you.
rocky
November 12, 2007
I suggest we start wearing yellow as a silent protest every Monday. They can’t stop that with roadblocks etc. Let BN feel the heat.
Rocky,
Start the ball rolling.
The clean up crew
November 12, 2007
Well said splim.
10.11.07 was a fantastic day for national unity.
The march was superbly organised, congratulations to everyone who marched you all did Malaysia proud.
The PM, DPM and all the Cabinet are all out of touch will either reality, the others in BN are brainwashed, or in many cases have a brain but never use it.
A change of government is long overdue.
Keat Aun
November 12, 2007
Syabas to all Bangsa Malaysia who attended the 10-Eleven. And kudos to PAS for providing the Amal marshalls who were responsible for keeping law and order. The police can certainly learn a thing or two from Amal on how to allow for a peaceful rally.
ylchong
November 12, 2007
haris: Just for record — I reprised parts from “kualalumpurismyhome.com” and he too extracted the link to your place featuring Amri’s “bravo” Walk. This is an acknowledgement to charitable Bloggers who share, Yes! — Desi
shar101
November 12, 2007
Next up….
An option for non-walkers and pacifists.
Get ’10-Eleven’ printed on yellow balloons, fill it with an inert (non-flammable) gas, add your name and/or constituent with a marker pen and release it.
You’ll never know where it might land.
Sri Perdana, ZMD’s mansion, Parliament, RDC, etc.
A ballooning movement, so to speak.
Melvin
November 12, 2007
Bro Haris,
As mentioned in my posting, I walked all the way from Chow Kit to see this thing. Driving down to town today was something that I felt that it’s going to cost me fuel and time, and on the way we get to see spectacular things.
The rally was almost like what the Russians did it 90 years ago and it’s a highlight in our lives that we have been a live witness of this in future history.
Grengo01
November 12, 2007
It was a great walk! Great because we walked as MALAYSIANS… no Malay, Indian or Chinese, just Malaysians. Strangers greet each other, we talked, we laughed and we shared a drink! The drizzle did not dampen the spirits, in fact, it fed the spirit… well done 40,000. For Maaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaalaysiaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!
Daulat Tuanku!!
Daulat Tuanku!!
Daulat Tuanku!!
sinniah
November 12, 2007
All of us should in the future either take a picture of this or video it.
Taken from
http://alicenah.wordpress.com/2007/11/12/the-bersih-march/
“Around that time I also saw something bizarre. A police van pulled up right in front of us. As it passed, I saw uniformed policemen sitting inside. It stopped, and emitted a young ‘mat rock’ looking Malay man (no offence, everyone) wearing a yellow, rolled up, long-sleeve shirt over a t-shirt. He got out, walked purposefully, and melted into the crowds.
Ooooo…. I thought. It was a scene from Infernal Affairs.
A few minutes later, a man came from behind us shouting expletives and acting rather mad. It was strange that he came from behind us, and walked alone. He headed towards the main crowd. ‘Ajen provokateur’, murmured some of the people near me. His behaviour certainly wasn’t ‘in line’ with the rhythm of the crowd in that place. Most of us were facing in the opposite direction, towards the main crowds, holding hushed conversations, and hypothesizing about what was happening… not shouting loudly or behaving oddly.”
Hmmmm…..they did try their best to make it violent and failed….
miss bumblebee
November 12, 2007
it was worth of more than 5km walking to the palace, despite pouring rain.
syabas BERSIH!
urutsukudoji
November 12, 2007
It is an honour for me to say, ‘Thank you to all of you who were at the rally. U all really make me proud’. I was hopping i could be there. But family matter prevent me from doing so. A big Thank You to all of u! hope i wont miss the next one.
Anak Malaysia
drsaravananr
November 12, 2007
I was very impressed to see the number of women who turned up. Kudos to all the women of Malaysia who braved the rain, acid-laced water and tear gas and made their voices heard! Way to go Flower Power!
Cheers
MB
November 12, 2007
Pakistan is facing a tyrant military dictator hell bent upon prolonging his power.
Please support the anti-Dictator people of Pakistan
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Howcan
November 12, 2007
I was there at the istana with my wife taking photos with my film camera. We felt good being there on this memorable day. Ran some mobile commentaries to some of my friends who did not make it in person but were there in spirit. There could have been more if not for the road blocks and the threats. Anyway, the spirit of the occasion is like water finding its way through leakages, weakness, seepages slowly but surely filling up into a puddle, a pool, a pond, a stream and into a sea. The colour yellow, the rallying call “10 eleven” and the image of Amir makes a powerful symbol.
klconfidential
November 12, 2007
Remember remember, the 10th of November..
Very ‘v’ for vendetta style, I agree.
This was my first march. And God, it felt good! My darling and I almost didn’t go due to the threats issued by the police. We were worried.
But somewhere between thinking up explanations to tell our moms from the police lock up (if we were arrested) and thoughts of being beaten by the police, we decided to go. Hell, if everybody thought like us, nobody would go right?
We were march ‘virgins’ you see. We had no idea what to expect. To cut a long story short, we were in Masjid Jamek and got our first taste of tear gas. Now when i look back, I feel proud that I had a taste. There were no battle scars but at least I witnessed history in the making.
I urge all of you out there, please don’t let the momentum die here. Keep the ball rolling! Please! We have only just begun our honorable fight.
Amri, I could just hug you, man. Thank you, thank you.
Those who couldn’t be there, don’t miss it next time! This won’t be the last, i promise you.
Malaysianminx, although you are far away and the numbers for the gathering in London the small compared to the one in KL, like Sir Leigh Teabing said in The Da Vinci Code:
“Your heart is pure.”
Love from Malaysia.
Vijay
November 12, 2007
After anxious weeks of talking the talk, I finally walked the walk. Thank goodness it was raining, because I think I wet myself at first.
I was one of those who picked Masjid Jamek as the rallying point, and in hindsight, I think it was the best of choices. Not that I wanted to get hit over the head, mind you, but at least I saw first hand what our beloved government would do to its people just because it got cross at us.
To all those who went, many thanks to you all! If there is ever a next time, ‘ll still wet myself, but it wouldn’t stop me from having another crack at running away from tear gas.
Hopefully I’ll be a little faster this time 🙂
wawajoe
November 12, 2007
i missed the rally as we were organizing the Raya open house. But my sis went and she said it was worth it!My kaki felt so ‘gatal’ because we can’t join the others 40,000 Malaysians demonstrating about the fair election. Will definitely join next time, insya-allah.
I wonder whether our Ketua Polis Negara kena ‘taruh’ dengan our PM that nite for failling to disperse the protestors?
Rastaman
November 12, 2007
Dear Harris,
After seeing the pictures and comments from fellow (yellow?) concerned participants….I feel very helpless because I am doled up in JB.
Amri……for me ……you are the towering Malaysian…you are much better than our space participant!!!!
The 50k odd have shown the way….and 10 eleven will be etched in our memory forever.
Can we do some homework to get the next march conducted nationwide ?
Since the yellow colored tee shirts brings out paranoia
for our police force…..lets make out hankies of the same color and hide it in our pockets and unfurl them at our point of gathering !!!
We need to coordinate the next do in such a way to show that the whole nation is sick and tired of the state of affairs of our country.This way, the message will send shivers to them and Nazri,Maideeen,KJ and the other goons will know we mean business.Lets step up the gas Harris and you can count on my role to get the yellow sea organised down south.
Once again AMRI……WE ARE DAMN PROUD OF YOU.YOU TAKE CARE.
BR
Rastaman (JB)
Shareen
November 12, 2007
Oh how I wished i was in Malaysia to be part of 10-eleven! nevertheless I was there in mind and spirit 🙂
Moses Foo
November 12, 2007
No offence was taken. In any case, I would not have been able to participate even if I wanted to because a personal crisis erupted that demand my complete attention. It is a kind of Murphy’s Law. Thought I share another perspective.
Just to share a little bit: today, I wore my yellow rubber wrist band with “MAKE A DIFFERENCE” on it to work. Got ribbed by my colleagues during breakfast, “Wah! Moses wearing a unity band now.” and “Sudah jadi ahli Keadlian.” What can I say? People’s power! Anyway, got one of them who is apolitical and care-less about political, laughing himself silly at zam-zam-ala-kazam vs Al-Jazeera and Lingam korek-korek and wishing he was there on Saturday. (fyi, he got work the whole day to meet dateline).
Just gotta find ways and means to spread the message out.
Regards,
Moses
Bernard
November 13, 2007
I did not know the march had happened. Thank you for informing us all! Sites like this can influence people to have more marches of unity. The more we have the better things will be because people will know that through hard work and effort this nation can truely be unified!!!!!!!!!
Reniv
November 13, 2007
Amri, Is the true Towering Malaysian! You have inspire millions more than you ever know. You reminds us all during the Tein Ann Mein square demostration the little chinese man with two paper bags stop the tank! i bet your presence have stop the rain.
kristy
November 13, 2007
What a beautiful pic. Thank you Amri. You are a true Malaysian. How I wish were there to join the walk. Thank you for you all true Malaysian.
malaysia abroad
November 13, 2007
I read this jubilating report of the public triumphant on that historic day, despite the mass obstacles they encountered. Being abroad sadly, we tried to get the news any way and unfortunately our main stream media had no coverage of the event, totally preposterous.
The main government is wrong in condemning its own rakyat and for this, I believe they will have too pay a very high cost. When true people are marching on the streets in the name of truth and justice, this is democracy in its real form.
I wish I too had participate, walk the mile with the you. But nonetheless, I am prouder now to be a malaysian because of you.
BL Phee
November 13, 2007
Folks
One way to keep this movement fluid and going is to be comiitted to wearing yellow on Fridays, when most folks are out and about for prayers and lunch. There is nothing the authorities can do against hundreds of thousands who wear yellow on a specific day. Well, actually, BN can pass a law making it illegal to wear yellow full stop, but let them try. Spread the word!
wudan
November 13, 2007
Hi Harris,
Walked behind you, walked pass you, walked ahead of you. It was a silent march for me as well.
Respect to Amri of Shah Alam. By the way, do you or anybody out there know if Amri needs any financial help to obtain an artificial leg. He does not have to be like this I feel. Macam Terry Fox la kan! Next time he can run too if he encounter an FRU water truck.
Thank you on your effort to enlightened us, the Rakyat. Cheers!
Tony Yew and I are going to make an effort to locate him. We had the same thing in mind
Hedonese
November 13, 2007
I also saw a pakcik who walked on a tongkat, with a painful limp and the Srikandi sisters who were so bersemangat despite the many obstacles/rain, so glad that I made it else i have nowhere to hide my face…
misben
November 13, 2007
Haris,
I copied the picture of Amri in my blogpost of my report of the Walk. Thanks for letting me copy without permission.
http://www.benstakes.blogspot.com
Misben,
This is ‘value for no money’ news.
We share.
lostasylum
November 13, 2007
I was there along with the 40,000 other Malaysians to fight for justice and stand up for what’s right. The tear gas and water cannon at masjid jamek was definitely a new experience, although i’m thankful i didn’t get the water cannon. i still got stung by the tear gas though…. but hey, bragging rights no? hahah…..
i’ve been telling many friends, that saturday, standing along with everyone, regardless of race, religion, age and ideology, made me feel more Malaysian that i have in many many years. i was proud that the Unit Amal from PAS was there to make us feel that much safer. I was proud that DAP and PKR did not just complain, but their leaders, no less were the ones there to back up their words. i am proud to be part of the 40,000. and i will always be proud to be Malaysian. no one will ever be able to take that away from me, and that is why i will stay and fight for freedom and justice in “tanah tumpah darahku!”.
haris, i dont know you in person, but you have my utmost respect as a man who walks the talk. i’m setting a t-shirt company at present, and i will try to create a nice t-shirt to commemorate this event ASAP. hopefully i’ll get it done before the next week is out and i’ll try my best to get it cheap. got an email add where i can reach you at?
lostasylum,
You walked the talk, too. The respect is mutual.
You can e-mail me at thepeoplesparliament@gmail.com
wudan
November 13, 2007
Alright! Great. Will follow your blog for update and I want to share and do something for Amri.
adam and eve
November 13, 2007
i’m so terribly proud of u guys and gals.moved to tears
sharonsan
November 13, 2007
hello!i really really regret didnt join the walk last sat!but im very proud and amazed to see sooo many msians join the walk on tht day!bravo to all of u! would there be any walk in the future??i definitely will join!!btw,where can i get the yellow BERSIH t-shirt?althou i didnt attend the walk,i wud like to wear it till the coming GE!=)
Antares
November 14, 2007
Excellent work, excellent feedback, Haris! Reading the blogs is so energizing and therapeutic after the nauseous spin spewed by the govermin-owned media. It’s fantastic to see the Malaysian worm turn at long last.
Once our fear of false authority is overcome, no parasite or virus of mind-control can bodysnatch us and hijack our glorious destiny as a FREE, HONEST, COMPASSIONATE, AND COURAGEOUS NATION!
Syabas, Malaysia! What you achieved on 10-11 makes me so proud to call this my HOME 🙂 Some of your comments were indeed touching. The good feelings are REAL!!!
sharleen
November 15, 2007
i haris
i was ther in masjid jamek…but cant make it to istana as u know…
I walked to the istana for you as well
Yap
November 16, 2007
The Government is making a big mistake in getting the police to use force against peaceful demonstration. A time will come when peaceful demonstrators would turn to violence and gradually rise to minor urban terrorism. The patient of individual or groups cannot be pushed into a corner.
The Malaysian Police should advise the government as they do study Urban Terrorism and counter urban terrorist operation.
There are already available enormous amount of literature/material in the book shops on the conduct of urban terrorism and the making of improvise explosive device (IED)which are currently used world wide.
Indirectly the actions of the police contribute to terrorism a poor man’s weapon