“The Power of the People is more Powerful than People in Power”— Malaysians look back at May 9, 2018

#MalaysiaBaharu was trending on Twitter on Thursday, May 9, 2019, one year to the day of the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition’s surprise win over Barisan Nasional, a ruling coalition that dominated Malaysian politics for six decades.

This gave rise to the idea of Malaysia’s rebirth as a new nation, leaving behind old ways of corruption and kleptocracy. Indeed, there is even a Twitter account called New Malaysia @MalaysiaBaharu, whose bio reads “Hope has a new name.”

Many netizens posted photos from one year ago of their own fingers stained in indelible ink, as proof that they had voted for the sake of the country’s future.

Twitter user @saufi_co posted a photo of his inky finger and wrote, “This is 9th May. I will remember this date forever. Glad to be part of the history.”

Other netizens shared the memory of when they knew exactly that former Prime Minister Najib had been defeated.

Netizen Eric Paulsen listed the achievements of the PH government. He also acknowledged that there is a lot left to do to clean up the mess the previous administration left behind.. And while it would take time for other changes to come about, the country was on the right track and had regained respect from the international community.

Indeed, many netizens acknowledged that change would not come overnight, and called upon their countrymen to be patient.

And one person pointed out that in spite of still-present hardships,

“the rule of law remains intact under PH, which is paramount.”

Others thanked the man who spearheaded last year’s victory, Prime Minister Dr Tun Mahathir Mohamad

And others acknowledged their own part, and power, in bringing about change.

Others re-posted news they say that would never have happened under BN

One netizen dared to wonder what would have happened if PH had not won.

Netizen Timothy Tiah took the time to write that he was so thankful for where Malaysia is today.

Overall, the netizens’ mood was upbeat and positive.

Netizen eMMa also posted a photo of her ink-stained finger from last year with the caption, “A year ago. After an agonizing 3 hour ++ of queing. (sic) My heart is so full and content. I cried with so much hope for a better Malaysia,” an echo of the feelings of many of her countrymen, no doubt.

/TISG

Read related: Dr Mahathir came to fix Malaysia’s economy but corruption proves to be a bane