The lone raintree under which the Perak state asssembly held its historical sitting on March 3, 2009 now has five companions.

perak tree of democracy - the raintree Five new trees of the same species, representing Justice, Integrity, Welfare, Transparency and Trustworthiness, were planted near the “The Tree of Democracy” by Pakatan Rakyat leaders at 10am yesterday.

Underneath the 'Tree of Democracy' was a plaque describing the series of events that lead to the state assembly holding its sitting there.

The tree-planting ceremony was attended by DAP stalwart and Ipoh Timur assemblyperson Lim Kit Siang, ousted Perak menteri besar Nizar Jamaluddin, state assembly speaker V Sivakumar, Perak DAP chief Ngeh Koo Ham and other Perak PR state assemblypersons.

perak tree of democracy - the plaque Speaking at a press conference held after the tree planting ceremony, Nizar said: “This tree is a symbolic reminder of the emergency meeting we had to convene according to the doctrine of necessity after we were barred from the state building.

“We hope that all citizens of Perak will take good care of the tree. It is now the most important spot in Malaysia, a tourist location, not because of its aesthetic worth, but its value as a mascot for democracy.

“Just as Umno has killed the constitution of democracy, we hope that these trees will remind us that we are capable of breathing new life into it.”

He added that the municipal council may prune the big trees, but not damage them.

Resolve Perak crisis with fresh polls

He also joked that parents of children who will be sitting for exams may seek blessings from the tree and have their wishes come true.

perak tree of democracy - lim kit siang Lim, on the other hand, stated that the constitutional crisis in Perak needs to be solved immediately so that politicians and the people could concentrate on solving the economic crisis.

“I also call on all political leaders, be they from Pakatan or BN, to work together to overcome the worst economic crisis in the history of Malaysia.

“Otherwise, the stimulus package soon to be tabled by Najib will have no meaningful effect because it will lack the confidence of the people.

“And one important condition is to resolve the Perak political crisis quick and fast through fresh state elections. It can be done within 30 days.

“To prolong this stalemate will not be good for Perak, for Malaysia, and definitely not for Najib, as people will question his legitimacy and suitability as the sixth prime minister of Malaysia.”

perak tree of democracy - tree planting Meanwhile, curious crowds were seen gathering and taking photographs under the tree throughout the afternoon.

One of the onlookers, John, revealed that he had travelled all the way from Kuala Lumpur just to witnessed what he believed was a significant and historical event.

“The Perak government under Nizar had served the people very well and have not been embroiled in any monetary scandals and the police have no right to stop them from convening their assembly,” he said.

Yin Peng, an Ipoh resident, said that she was disappointed that the government she had been yearning for years had been ousted after just ten months of rule.

Fears that the tree may be poisoned

She also noted that an elderly lady, whose husband dropped her off at a wrong location, had walked about two kilometres to arrive at the tree-planting ceremony.

Another commentator, who only wished to be known as 'Puan Zee', commented that the date of “tree assembly”, March 3, 2009, translated into 339 and was a beautiful number.

perak tree of democracy - justice tree She also expressed her fears that the tree may be poisoned, vandalised or destroyed for political reasons, but vowed: “If the tree should ever be harmed for any reason, we will replant it. We will be satisfied only if it dies naturally. And even after that, we will plant a new one.

“If the plaque should be destroyed, we will build a new one. I hope the tree and the plaque will be preserved so that my grandchildren will be able to behold this historical marker.”

In addition, a few of the other local residents who had gathered under the tree remarked that they would fertilise and volunteer to care for the tree.

The plaque was inscribed with the following words, the first two paragraphs in English and the rest in Malay: “The National Assembly, nothing may prevent it from continuing its deliberations in any place it is forced to establish itself; and finally, the National Assembly exists wherever members are gathered.” - The Oath of the Tennis Court, 20th June, 1789.

“May it please your majesty, I have neither eyes to see nor tongue to speak in this place but as this House doth direct me, whose servant I am.” - On the independence of the House, by William Lenthall, Speaker, House of Commons.

Tree of Democracy

On March 3, 2009, at 9.25am, when 27 Pakatan Rakyat members of the Perak state assembly arrived at the state secretariat building for the 4th assembly 12th session, under the directions of the state secretary and the police, erected barricades to prevent these assemblypersons from entering the state assembly hall.

Although the assemblypersons attempted to enter the state building, they were nevertheless stopped. Following that, the assemblypersons were also threatened with arrests and water cannons by police personnel.

perak state govt crisis state adun assemble under the rain tree 030309 At 10am, the state assembly speaker Sivakumar announced that the state assembly would be held under a raintree nearby instead.

This historical state assembly proceeded until 10.35am.

All assembly agenda were presented with complete protocol and three motions were debated and passed.

According to Pakatan leaders, the tree has witnessed the historical development of a parliamentary democratic system and is a symbol of the struggle for democracy to elect a government by the people for the people.

Therefore to commemorate the historical significance of the event, the tree was named “Tree of Democracy” and a plaque was erected there.

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