EXACTLY 111 years ago, on Oct 10, the Xinhai Revolution (辛亥革命) started. At the end of four months and two days, the Qing Dynasty fell, paving the way for the rise of modern China under Dr Sun Yat-Sen as the president of the republic.
Coincidentally, 10-10 is also the date for the dissolution of the Parliament, ending Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s 14 months as the shortest-serving prime minister in the history of Malaysia.
As said by Fareed Zakaria, “Legitimacy is the elixir of political power.”
This is true for both the Qing Dynasty and the Malaysian political landscape. Although the Qings ruled for 276 years, the people’s dissatisfaction with the Government grew until they overthrew it.
Throughout history, the people’s power has been employed many times over, especially to unseat incapable leaders who are corrupted and greedy.
In 1986, the People Power Revolution saw the removal of Ferdinand Marcos, and in 1990, the People’s Movement ended absolute monarchy in Nepal and implemented democracy.
In the same year, the people of Bangladesh went against the military government to restore democracy. In 2012, public protests and police mutiny led to the resignation of the Maldives president Mohamed Nasheed.
These are only a handful of examples out of many, with the most recent and ongoing protests by the people are happening at this moment in Iran, with more than 185 people reported dead.
While the protests started due to the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, people are now venting their frustrations towards corruption and repression as well. The Corruption Perception Index ranks Iran 150th place out of 180.
Malaysia is truly blessed as we are still peaceful and orderly. That is why we must fulfil our duty at the ballot box to replace the current irresponsible Government with a legitimate Government voted in by the people.
UMNO was once defeated, and they can be defeated again.
Let us all draw inspiration from the 10-10 Xinhai Revolution. Let us, the Rakyat, make Malaysia great again by marking 10-10 as a day when the Rakyat of Malaysia triumphs over tyranny and corruption.
If we look back to the days of Bersih street protests, let us be reminded that our reformation has not yet succeeded. So, fellow Malaysians, carry on! Ayuh, Malaysia! – Oct 13, 2022
Jason Ong Khan Lee is Kebun Bunga state assemblyperson.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
Main photo credit: Cgtn.com
