Himpunan Kebangkitan Rakyat: A win-win situation

They came, they had their say – shouted at times – and they left. To top it all, it was conducted in an orderly fashion without any mishaps.

This was generally the emotions expressed and detected on the ground, on air and online throughout the Himpunan Kebangkitan Rakyat (HKR) or as widely referred on Twitter as #HKR112.

A majority of the masses looked at this rally hoping it will not cause any disruptive inconveniences and it did not. In fact, there was a healthy relationship between the authorities, mainly the police, and the participants - a much welcomed sign.

Astro Awani, based at Bukit Kewangan near the UTC, is practically the neighbour of Stadium Merdeka; the agreed choice of location for the HKR during its negotiation between the organisers and the authorities.

We were on the field and followed the rally closely - the 8 ‘touch points’ or assembly areas where participants gathered and headed toward Stadium Merdeka.

Our journalists fed our viewers and readers with up-to-date developments; from the number of petty traders mushrooming along the routes heading toward the venue to funny incidents including of a man singing in the open.

It was a rainbow at the stands as participants, donned in various colours representing their cause, filled the stadium. Then there were the speeches.

Even with road closures and traffic diversions since 9am, the situation was largely smooth with minimum disruption to the city folks.

When it ended, the participants left with no fuss.

Based on the previous string of events, many unwanted ‘incidents’ took place which only resulted into an endless blame game.

As some were expecting the worst, HKR may have ‘disappointed’.

HKR did have its hiccups as some parents dragged their children even after several reminders by the authorities that it is an offence to bring children under the age of 15 as per the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012.

Perhaps practice makes perfect as everyone learns how to behave and react but does this mean a new trend of gathering of merry men will follow suit in the name of seeking justice or fighting a cause?

There are certain groups who are tired with any form of gatherings, deeming it as a nuisance. But there are those who want to make their presence known.

However, the most important factor is the people’s voice, which has to be heard. The significance of such an event can only make room for people to learn about themselves and how peace can be achieved, not just through gatherings but also through a common factor.

The message set across as a result of the peacefulness of the event speaks volume for the voice of the people.

It was a joint effort by all parties including the police, opposition and ruling government that peace and consensus can be achieved if the stakeholders play their parts.

We all can actually get along just fine.

And the real winners were the traders - who went home a little richer than usual.