10th Anniversary Black 14
Apr 14th, 2009 by Tian
Today is the 10th anniversary of Black 14. On April 14 1999, Anwar Ibrahim was convicted by Mahathir’s kangaroo judge Augustine Paul.
The morning of the judgement day, thousands of people gathered around court house carrying platcards with slogan “Rakyat Hakim Negara”. PM Mahathir instructed the mass protest to be suppressed with violent forces. Before the announcement of the verdict, the reformists faced brutal action of FRU, tear gas and water canon.
In the midst of violence, I was arrested in front of a water canon truck.
April 14 was an iconic moment for the heroic fighters of Reformasi, as well as inspiration for Malaysia’s democratic struggle. The terrifying and violent experience strengthen Reformists and we vowed to strive harder against the regime.
The incident since then was marked as “Black 14″. Every year during Anwar’s imprisonment, wuithout fail, Reformists would hold public rally to demand freedom for Anwar and the people of Malaysia.
On 10 April 2001, while Reformasi activists were preparing another mass rally to commemorate Black 14, Mahathir invoked ISA to clamp down the movement. I was among those arrested and subsequently sent to Kamunting for 2 years.
Black 14 is a landmark for Malaysian democraty. It signals the emergence of new awareness of the people. The movement of People’s Power continued to advance despite years of repression and brutal crackdown. This determination of Reformasi activists finally gave rise of Ketuanan Rakyat!
Today the results of GE-12 and recent by-elections were the fruits of Reformists and their sacrifices. A decade of struggle is not too long however we have spent the 10 years meaningfully.
Next, we must look beyond just capture national power: The spirit of Reformists must go on. Injustices should not be tolerated, no matter what or by who.
Fairdinkum ,
the “black 14″ is like the storming of the bastille and long live Democracy. Democracy is alive in Malaysia because of a handful and thanks pal.
2 years in ISA, how can? Rais told BBC 60 days only. The minister lied? Never mind, he is the one who made his PhD thesis against the ISA. Like all BN ministers, he has a short memory against money.
Jokes apart, we count on you PR reps to ensure BN becomes the federal Opposition next time. Please be competent, uncorrupt and lead us to heights the BN only ever talked about.