COMMENT | 10 years after Bersih 2 - work to build our democracy goes on

COMMENT | On this day, 10 years ago, approximately 50,000 ordinary Malaysians gathered in the streets of Kuala Lumpur to demand clean and fair elections. Many took a great personal risk to participate in the rally – gassed, chased, beaten up, or arrested by the police.

We will never forget people like Allahyarham Baharuddin Ahmad, Aunty Bersih, Pak Samad and many more unsung heroes – some of whom are no longer with us. It is in their spirit that we must carry on the work to protect and improve democracy in Malaysia.

The following were the eight demands made in the Bersih 2 rally:

1. Clean the electoral roll

2. Reform postal vote

3. Use indelible ink

4. Free and fair access to media

5. Minimum 21 days campaign period

6. Strengthen public institutions

7. Stop corruption

8. Stop dirty politics

While not all of our goals have been achieved, the Malaysian people should be ...