#OccupyDataran, Malaysia

17th of April 2012

Day 6 occupation of Merdeka Square

Gangsters yanked tents, threw insults, and yelled that they left dataran. A commotion started as the gangsters provoked, attacked tents, supplies and those who had recording devices.

As citizens they were not protected by the authorities. All they had were themselves. During the attack, a few campers gathered together in the middle of the square and sat down on the ground. Despite the provocation, they showed no sign of resistance. They sat down and raised their hands as a sign of non-violence. They refused to play the confrontation by the gangsters.

The gangsters left after the campsite was destroyed and fellow occupiers cleared the campsite and laid mats for everyone to calm down and share their experience.

Our friends held an impromptu meeting and voted to stay put at dataran. They collectively decided to stay and defend the camp. Everyone decided should an attack happen, they will all sit down and non-violently resist the situation. What is more important is everyone stays calm together.

This incident was an opportunity for everyone to learn and communicate better. Either everyone leaves or stays, every body should do the same thing. They need more people in solidarity with them. Volume symbolizes strength. Dataran Merdeka belongs to the public. Support our friends in any way you can. We could all choose differently now.

Keep calm and carry on.