On reading various reports, I felt the need to give you all first hand what transpired at the intersection of Dataran Merdeka and Tun Perak. I'm sad that we did not meet up with the candle lighters at the Flagpole.
Initially up until 7.15 pm, our numbers were small, possibly not more than 200, yes Penang Man, who came from there was disappointed that we were not allowed into Dataran by our, this time round, pretty much friendly police force. Some of us other seasoned vigil lighters expected it. The numbers rapidly increased, it was a balmy night, all in synchronization, with the somber mood of the people. We lit our candles amidst shouts of "Bebaskan RPK, Bebaskan Semua, Makkal Shakti".
The Hindraf contingent were there in their orange T-Shirts and we were allowed to remain outside Dataran only until 8pm. By now almost three quarters of the intersection was blocked, traffic slowed down to a single lane and we got a lot of support by way of honks and thumbs up from the public.
As we started moving, towards Kothumalar Puliar Temple the numbers kept swelling, it was awesome, as far as the eye could see, all along Jalan Tun Perak, was a swarm of flickering candle lights. Tears welled up, our throats constricted, to see Chinese, Indians, Malaysia, walk side by side, holding up their candles, for all to see, that we're united in our stand to abolish ISA.
By now, as we journeyed Jalan Tun Perak, the traffic was almost at a standstill, while the beginning of the procession was at Menara Maybank, the sea of flickering candles ended near the Mc Donalds. Words cannot describe the feeling of camaraderie that permeated the procession, young and old, Malaysians hailing from all walks of life, of all races, was fighting a common cause to "Abolish ISA".
As we walked towards the temple, we filled the entire T junction from end to end and even across the main road, right until Pudu Raya Bus Station. Temple Prayers were going on, people has not lost the momentum, they were still shouting to be rid of the ISA, while some of the leaders gave their statement to the media present, YB Tian Chauh came by and said a few words.
We lit hundreds of Ghee lamps at the temple for the freedom, of the ISA detainees, we remembered them all - the Hindraf Heroes, our blogger boss YM RPK, our muslim brothers who would not spend Hari Raya with their loved ones, the foreigners, and each of the 64 detainees, we will not let the world forget you.
I could not help noticing those leading the shouts for Hindraf Valaghe were not so much the Indians, but tirelessly it was their Chinese brothers who encouraged, supported and led in the shouts for Hindraf Valaghe!!
As we stood there, people of all races, soaking in the ambience, the words of RPK, resonated, Malays and Non-Malays will fight to protect each other – yesterday I realized, how prophetic his words were. Without doubt I knew that there will not be any hesitation to protect one another – we were all Anak Bangsa Malaysia, no race, no religion will separate us.
None of us wanted to leave, we just wanted to continue to enjoy the spirit of oneness, but soon it was time to bid our goodbyes and encourage each other to continue to fight for the Abolition of the hated ISA.
We could have done many things better, not much experience at this, ma? But we'll try to get better at organizing media release and participant information on time.
Yes my MT siblings, each of us have to continue our Hartal for ISA, until all the detainees are released. We need in large numbers to co-ordinate the sustained efforts, in writing to our MPs, to International bodies, and in all possible ways to oppose the ISA, till it can no longer be used for mere political hegemony. Let the ISA detainees be charged in court or release them.
Let all Malaysian unite and may no unscrupulous politics divide us.
Suara Rakyat, Makkal Shakti.
Sandy Bean
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