E Contrario

Parameswara’s cabinet meeting under the Malacca tree, accompanied by dogs and kancil

In parliament today, some BN lawmakers tried to ridicule Pakatan Rakyat. They described the holding of Perak Legislative Assembly under the tree as “law of the jungle”.

In fact the problem is that BN leadership indeed only saw one tree but failed to see the jungle.

Our friend Golabakrishna has a good insight. He reminded our BN MPs the history of the Kingdom of Melaka.

Parameswara, who we are uncertain of his status as a Bumiputra, called his first cabinet meeting under a tree several hundreds years ago. Among the first motions passed was to express confidence in Parameswara as the ruler and chief executive of the newly founded kingdom.

The kingdom founded by Parameswara flourished in the next few centuries and its boundaries extended beyond modern Malaysian national borders.

By the way, the tree under which the state assembly was held was an Angsana or Pokok Sena, a species full of legends.

All human cultures have a special attachment to trees. Certain trees have also been seen as sacred trees which represent life and spirituality.

Let me quote a few lines from L. Brown on the concept of Sacred Tree:

For all the people of the earth, the Creator has planted a Sacred Tree under which they all may gather, and there find healing, power, wisdom and security. The roots of this tree spread deep into the body of Mother Earth. Its branches reach upward like hands praying to Father Sky. The fruits of this tree are the good things the Creator has given to the people: teachings that show the path to love, compassion, generosity, patience, wisdom, justice, courage, respect, humility and many other wonderful gifts.