As reported last week, the political coalition that has governed Malaysia for decades has been encountering greater opposition as corruption and inequality have become entrenched. This weekend saw hundreds of thousands of people take to the streets in Malaysia for the 4th Bersih (Clean) rally. Though the government had declared any street protests illegal and went as far as prohibiting the wearing of yellow t-shirts, the reality is that most people don’t believe the government any more. Solidarity rallies were held around the world. As with similar mass protests movements in Asia (see here and here) the issue is how to change a structure that is built because of powerful economic and political interests who will hold on to power at any cost.
As reported last week, the political coalition that has governed Malaysia for decades has been encountering greater opposition as corruption and inequality have become entrenched. This weekend saw hundreds of thousands of people take to the streets in Malaysia for the 4th Bersih (Clean) rally. Though the government had declared any street protests illegal and went as far as prohibiting the wearing of yellow t-shirts, the reality is that most people don’t believe the government any more. Solidarity rallies were held around the world. As with similar mass protests movements in Asia (see here and here) the issue is how to change a structure that is built because of powerful economic and political interests who will hold on to power at any cost.
