One of the fastest growing tourist attractions in Perak, the “Democracy Tree”, has been given a makeover of sorts by the Ipoh City Council (MBI), who planted 19 smaller plants around it.

democracy tree mbi plant tree 180409 The 19 plants were put in place early this morning by MBI staff right under the large branches of the now famous rain tree in Medan Istana, a stone’s throw away from the Perak state secretariat building.

The species of the saplings have yet to be determined and it is uncertain how MBI expects the plants to survive under the shade of the rain tree.

The rain tree was dubbed the “Democracy Tree” as it was the venue for the historic and controversial March 3 emergency sitting of the state assembly.

democracy tree mbi plant tree 180409 Ipoh Barat MP, M Kulasegaran, said that the planting of the shrubs appears to be an attempt by the authorities to thwart Pakatan Rakyat’s plans to erect a memorial under the tree to commemorate the emergency sitting.

“It was announced yesterday that a new plaque would be erected at the very place where the young trees have been planted. The trees were planted to prevent this.

“Come what may, we will proceed with the erection of the people’s plaque on May 1,” wrote Kulasegaran in his blog, Kula’s Voize .

First plaque uprooted by MBI

Kulasegaran also accused MBI of trying to kill the tree as its roots were damaged when the shrubs were being planted.

perak tree of democracy - the raintree “Who had ordered the planting of the 19 trees? If the chaps had any common sense, surely this would not have happen. But alas, this seems not to be the case!

“We hope the trees would be dug out soon and those who ordered the planting of the 19 trees will apologise to the public,” he said.

perak tree of democracy - the plaque Other Pakatan leaders including ousted menteri besar Mohd Nizar Jamaluddin and his exco members Tai Sng Ng and Nga Kor Ming were also at the scene this morning to inspect the tree’s new companions.

Previously, Pakatan had erected a marble plaque commemorating the emergency sitting under the tree, but it was subsequently vandalised by unknown individuals before being removed by MBI as the plaque was considered an illegal structure erected on a road reserve.