10 Years Since Bersih 4

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A decade ago, half a million Malaysians filled the streets of Kuala Lumpur in one of the largest and most historic peaceful rallies in our nation’s history.
On Aug 29-30, 2015, for 34 hours straight, people from all walks of life - regardless of race, religion, gender, or socioeconomic background stood together in solidarity under one shared dream:
Free and fair elections
A clean government
The right to dissent
Strengthening parliamentary democracy
Saving the economy
Bersih 4 was not just a rally. It was a turning point. It marked the moment the movement evolved from a call for electoral reform into a broader people’s movement demanding systemic change in Malaysia.
I still remember clearly the moment I stood on stage at Dataran Merdeka, looking out at hundreds of thousands of Malaysians. In that sea of yellow, I saw not despair, but hope - hope that together, we could save Malaysia from the grip of corruption.
The author speaking at the Bersih 4 rallyNew strategy
The idea of a 34-hour rally was bold; some even said it was crazy. Many doubted we could sustain the momentum. But under the leadership of Maria Chin Abdullah, supported by the secretariat and countless volunteers, Malaysians once again proved the doubters wrong. It was the people’s determination, courage, and unity that made Bersih 4 possible.
It was also the rally where even former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, once an opponent of street protests, showed up in solidarity - a moment that surprised many and signalled shifting political tides.
A victory for the right to assemble
One of our central demands at Bersih 4 was the right to assemble. Ironically, just days before Bersih 3 in 2012, the Peaceful Assembly Act (PAA) 2012 came into force, a law widely seen as designed to restrict, not protect, peaceful assemblies.
Ten years later, on July 1, 2025, the Federal Court declared Section 9(5) of the PAA, the provision often used to detain or charge rally-goers, unconstitutional. This is a powerful reminder that the struggle for rights may take time, but persistence bears fruit.
Bersih 4 normalised the idea of peaceful assemblies on a massive scale. It showed that Malaysians could gather in large numbers without violence, in a festive atmosphere filled with music, speeches, and solidarity.
ADSMalaysia Baharu
Much has changed since 2015. Malaysians shocked the world on May 9, 2018, by voting out the world’s longest-ruling coalition, BN. This was despite attempts by former prime minister Najib Razak to cling to power, including manipulating electoral boundaries.
Since then, Malaysia has seen four prime ministers in just seven years. While political instability has been frustrating, it also reflects a maturing democracy where no leader is untouchable. Today, street protests are more accepted, and even Dataran Merdeka is open to demonstrators, including those demanding the resignation of the prime minister.
Is our democracy perfect? No. But it is stronger than it was a decade ago. Reform is never a destination; it is a journey. Each government must be pushed to reform further. That responsibility belongs to the people.
To Malaysians
On this anniversary, I invite all Malaysians to reflect on the role you have played in shaping our democracy. Do not feel regret or betrayal for your sacrifices. Democracy is always a work in progress - it is built step by step, through persistence and collective struggle.
And to Najib: may you continue to serve your sentence behind bars.
Notes:
1. Mahathir attended both days of the rally.
2. Bersih 4 was remembered for its festive and peaceful atmosphere.
3. Maria, Sarajun Huda, and I were the main negotiators with the police.
4. Bersih 2.0 raised RM2.6 million for the rally through donations and merchandise.
5. The Bersih 4 T-shirt was banned and declared illegal, yet we sold 38,000 pieces.
Long live the people ✊🏾
Long live Bersih ✊🏾
- Mkini
MANDEEP SINGH is a former Bersih 2.0 secretariat manager.
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.

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