IT was a rare feat – dislodging a political behemoth that had reigned for more than six decades.

Some would even describe it as nothing short of a miracle. The dawn of Malaysia’s democratisation, or “Malaysia Baharu” (New Malaysia), as many dubbed it. But what’s certain is that May 9, 2018 wasn’t an overnight victory.

It was the culmination of struggles and sacrifices, a collective effort by the people that spanned years, if not decades, leading up to that historic moment. Five Bersih rallies advocating free and fair elections, countless mega and minor public assemblies, and not forgetting the numerous nationwide roadshows and field work conducted by civil society groups. These were the building blocks at the heart of the victory.

It’s a story of the people’s victory against all odds, especially in the lead-up to the elections – a mid-week polling day to suppress voter turnout, malapportionment and gerrymandering of electoral boundaries by the Election Commission, the #UndiRosak campaign and its proponents, incidents of hacked phones and spam calls on polling day, disenfranchised Malaysian voters in Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand and Brunei who had to return home to vote, and many more.

But the people’s resilience knew no bounds. We banded together and overcame all the obstacles in our way.

In the case of outstation voters, the instant it was announced that polling day would be on a Wednesday, countless grassroots initiatives sprung up – #UndiRabu, #PulangMengundi and Jom Balik Undi, to name a few. Strangers offered to pay people’s travel costs. Some even offered carpooling on Twitter. Others chartered buses to transport Malaysian voters from Singapore to major towns in the peninsula. Not forgetting those who volunteered to fly home to deliver postal ballots by hand, since voting was not held at Malaysian embassies. It was an amazing race of epic proportions, resulting in a whopping 82.32% voter turnout.

The drama didn’t stop even after polling closed. The announcement of the official results was delayed, with claims of backdoor political manoeuvrings taking place. Malay-Muslim MPs in Pakatan Harapan were allegedly courted by rivals to switch sides. Eventually, the EC announced PH’s victory only at 4.55am on May 10.

We continued to be in a state of flux in the day ahead. As the ceremony was delayed, it was not until 9.30pm of May 10 – more than 24 hours after polling ended – did Malaysia witness the swearing-in of Dr Mahathir Mohamad as the country’s seventh prime minister.

Poetically, that day did resemble our two-decade journey towards democratisation. Never smooth-sailing, filled with twists and turns, and always keeping us at the edge of our seats. But overall, it was a civil and peaceful transition. Through it all, Malaysians were truly invested, determined to see the revolution through, glued to the screen for updates, and putting off sleep for another day. Some even went to Istana Negara to show their support for the new government.

Indeed, “Malaysia Baharu” wasn’t any party’s political agenda. It was an outcome manifested by the masses. It was a campaign of the people, by the people, and for the people. The atmosphere of exuberance was genuine as we celebrated our collective achievement.

Unfortunately, this euphoria fizzled out, and so did the movement of activists who had fought for the revolution. While the newly elected government was learning the ropes, we went back to our usual lives. Optimistic that the politicians we voted for would sort things out on our behalf, we surrendered everything to them.

Without the constant vigilance of an eagle-eyed public, some politicians took this opportunity to manoeuvre and consolidate their power. Using the smoke and mirrors of religious and racial issues, they tore apart the fabric of our society, turning communities against one another.

The complacency of moderate Malaysians gave way to extremists to set the agenda and propagate their views. The economic anxieties of the different communities were exploited. Every issue became a religious or racial one. The stage was set – it was us against them. “Malaysia Baharu” is a threat to Islam and Malays, they said. That was the prevailing narrative.

What comes next is a story that every one of us is all too familiar with. The deck was stacked against the first-time government, with threats coming from outside and within. A game of political musical chairs ensued, and just a few months shy of two years since the people’s victory, Malaysia found itself with a different government: Perikatan Nasional, a fledgling coalition formed by a Bersatu faction, Barisan Nasional and PAS.

Dare we hope again?

Obviously, with these developments, “Malaysia Baharu” also evolved into a dirty phrase that is uttered cynically, as if ridiculing those who dare believe in it. By now, you would’ve realised that the phrase takes on different meanings for different people.

Confronted with this new low in Malaysia’s short democratic history, some friends have voiced their frustration and disillusionment with the entire process. “Why should we care so much if in the end, the politicians will do whatever they want, according to their whims and fancies?”

To them, I say, “Malaysia Baharu” means a society that is no longer defined according to racial lines. An administration that is firmly working towards a pro-rakyat and globally competitive economy, where the lives and livelihood of its people always take centre stage. One that is bold and imaginative enough to provide jobs, decent pay, shelter, food, healthcare, public transport, quality education and a sustainable environment for its people. Ultimately, espousing the values of justice, freedom and solidarity.

Evidently, this worthwhile ideal need not crumble with the collapse of the PH government. We need to reinvest our energy into making it a reality, and not leave it merely to the politicians.

Honestly, “Malaysia Baharu” can’t be achieved overnight. It’s a long and continuous struggle. As long as there are those among us who have a sliver of hope, who still believe in it, we’ll get there, someday. – May 12, 2020.

* Iskandar Fareez reads The Malaysian Insight.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.