On this historic day, the Perak state assembly held an emergency sitting under a tree, 200 metres away from the state government complex, after the people’s reps were prevented from sitting in their usual venue.
Democracy was returned to the people, gathered in a solemn assembly beneath this humble but majestic tree, its outstretched branches reaching out to the heavens while embracing and providing shade for the multitude below.
Thanks to Rain Tree for sending in this poem by Hamza Yusuf:
The historic "Pokok Demokrasi" - now part of Ipoh's folklore (Photo by Jong)
A tree knelt in praise
I know that I shall never see
A poem that bows quite like our tree
A tree who like us loved to pray
In adoration every dayA tree who humbly knelt in praise
To God and never chose to raise
Itself above the other trees
Instead remained as if on kneesA tree who gave our scholars shade
And never asked that it be paid
A tree whose needles never hurt
But gently fell upon the dirtA tree whose worth cannot be told
Or ever lent or bought with gold
A tree who showed us all its height
With God by bowing with delightIt taught us all to clearly see
A Garden lies beneath a tree
And then it showed us with a sigh
That trees, like us, must also dieIn an age of folly, play and mirth
A tree has died with brow on earth- Hamza Yusuf / March 2005
No one ‘high on drugs’ is on this blog; just some loose nuts that escaped the grounds of Hospital Bahagia nearby are calling the raintree “stupid”! It happens to be a very handsome tree, so alive, so magnanimous and aware that those who seek justice is always free to have a place to go
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Yes, a historic day and good occasion indeed!
And Sunny is right. There is no need to fear that some low-life, cretinous hooligan may damage/destroy the tree out of spite. If that were to happen, then I am sure the People of Perak will immediately plant another tree of the same variety there in its place.
People who are inherent builders will always overcome and triumph over the pointless vandalism of all those who are destroyers.
“Imagine Power To The People” John Lennon.
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wynner on March 3rd, 2009 at 8.23pm
Look at all the parasitical plants on the tree! The poor tree will not last very long. Anybody thinks that’s symbolic…
Parasitic? Look carefully. These plants are in symbiosis. I see a happy union in them. I see unity. And unite we will against the corrupt bn regime.
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I think (they) will uproot this tree soon!
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Pick someone your human size to deride and make fun of you. Not a tree!
It is called Nature….this tree was destined to be chosen for what it has become famous for. Shame that a tree has helped to make room!!!!!!!!!!!!!for the sake of Democracy. No matter what,this DEMOCCRACY TREE is already famous.
Tokz and Wynner help us shape up the country…….together with this historic Tree!!!!.Do not waste precious time, we are nearing the truth.It is better to go down in history having faught for the Truth rather than just do nothing.
A message from DEMOCRACY TREE
I am just a tree, why not be like me..
I give shelter, and rest to all in need, you can see.
There’s shade under my branches, come and take your rest
You’ll know then, that I am simply Nature’s gift and I ….did my best.
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