Ten years after Bersih 4: How Malaysians united to demand change

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 and 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:

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.

New strategy

The idea of a 34-hour rally was bold; some even said it’s 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) Tun 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.

Malaysia Baharu (New Malaysia)

Much has changed since 2015. Malaysians shocked the world on May 9, 2018 by voting out the longest-ruling coalition, Barisan Nasional — despite attempts by (former prime minister Datuk Seri) 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.

Long live the people. Long live Bersih.

Mandeep Singh is the former Bersih 2.0 secretariat manager. The views expressed here are the personal opinion of the writer and do not necessarily represent that of Twentytwo13.

Main image (L-R): Mandeep, Maria and lawyer Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan at the Bersih 4 rally. Image from Mandeep Singh/Facebook