Heroes Of #Bersih4: From Bean Lim The Rubbish Collector To The Helpful PDRM
Times of crisis can bring out the worst and best in people. But these Malaysians have proved that in their fight for a better nation, they stand united with kindness shining through from many.
By Nandini Balakrishnan — 31 Aug 2015, 01:03 AM
1. Bean Lim
Bean Lim's civic mindedness first came to light after Malaysiakini spotted him picking up rubbish from the streets yesterday during the Bersih 4 rally.
"I'm just helping to collect rubbish. Because we're all bersih," said Lim to Malaysiakini.
malaysiakini.com
2. Volunteers from places of worship
Understanding the need for Bersih 4 rallygoers to have a pit-stop in their march for a better Malaysia, three churches in Kuala Lumpur opened their doors to offer shelter for the people.
St. John’s Cathedral in Bukit Nenas along with the Buddhist Association Ti Ratana Penchala Community Centre offered an endless supply of water and buns for hungry rallygoers while Our Lady Fatima was the gathering point for many earlier today.
The volunteers at St John's were also briefed on what to do if there was chaos on the streets and people needed to come in.
Back at St Anthony's Church in Pudu, there was also ample food, but fewer takers as the church was away from where the crowd was headed – towards Dataran Merdeka.
All three churches will be open until the end of the rally on Sunday night.
themalaysianinsider.com
3. Toilet Man
His thoughtfulness is apparent as he holds the placard that says, "Ask me for toilet" under the LRT track at Jalan Tun Perak, directing people looking for washrooms.
Ong, from Muar, decided to help out during the rally after being inspired by his friend that did the same during the Bersih 3.0 rally held back in April 2012.
“During Bersih 3.0 rally, my friend did this to help other participants. This time I came to help,” he said.
“Some participants don’t know where to find a public toilet because not everyone is from here (Kuala Lumpur). So I find out where the nearest toilet is. If anyone needs to go, they can just simply ask me.”
4. Isaiah Jacob
Amongst a crowd of armchair activists, Isaiah Jacob braced the magnanimous crowd yesterday and joined the Bersih 4 rally.
When asked on what drew him to attend all three Bersih rallies consequently with this being his fourth, he said that corruption in the country is the most worrying issue for him, as reported by Malaysiakini.
"And as a disabled, I am one of the victims under the government.
"I am rasing awareness among the disabled, some money are supposed to be used for disabled people, not for Umno and BN, " he laments.
malaysiakini.com
While the thoughtful volunteers present at the rally were helping out, kind Malaysians who weren't able to go, contributed in their own ways
A kind vendor from How Yekee at Petaling Jaya, Seksyen 17 provided 120 packets of mixed rice for rallygoers at the Masjid Jamek Lrt station.
Image via Ken Loi Facebook
An economy rice shop giving away free food for all those in Bersih shirts.
Image via I Love JB FacebookAnd more were seen helping each other out throughout the two-day long rally
Free Maggi instant noodles were provided for rallygoers that spent the night
Image via Wilson Tan Facebook
A Bersih supporter was seen helping an elderly gentleman wash his feet before Solat Asar
Image via Maria Ahmad, Astro Awani
Another rallygoer Tan Kian Shing, when speaking to SAYS last night, said that he encountered a kind- hearted taxi driver that offered to waive the taxi fare upon finding out that Tan is heading to the Bersih 4 rally.
Tan paid anyways and asked the uncle, who was very enthusiastic about joining the rally later in the day, to come over as soon as he can for the rally.
BONUS: Helpful police officers played a big role in the rally
Police officers are usually mocked in Malaysia for their uncouth personality.
But in a turn of events, Malaysians from all walks of life have been commending the officers in charge during the rally for their polite and friendly approach.
"So far the police have been very cooperative with us.
"All of us gathered here are satisfied with the approach of the police. We hope the police will continue to keep up the good work and maintain the peace here," said Malaysian Indian Progressive Association (MIPAS) secretary-general S.Bharathidasan at Dataran Merdeka.
Many others who showed up for the rally echoed similar comments and commended the police.
malaysiandigest.com
When Bersih organizers approached the authorities for assistance and advice in case things took a sour turn at the rally, DSP Gurbinder Singh was seen to be friendly and kind to advice the organizers on the steps to be taken.
DSP Gurbinder Singh speaking to Bersih organisers.