People love seedless fruits. It is convenient for our consumption. The value of the fruit ends the moment it enters our digestive system. But a fruit with seeds can maintain continuity if placed in the hands of a creative and resourceful owner.
Just imagine if we pick up the seed and visualize the beginning and the end of what the seed can become, we will see many things that the mind had not thought or perhaps had taken for granted. We will begin to see the seed becoming a shoot, a little plant, then a tree after which it will bear fruits and we get to enjoy the fruits. More fruits mean more seeds and more seeds mean more trees and the cycle continues. Of course we can expand this simplistic explanation into a complex and endless discourse. But in short, in the miniature seed we are able to glimpse the continuity of a grand scheme of things.
Play the concept forward and then play it backward, play the idea from the seed to the fruit and fruit to the seed. We will see nothing but harmony and purpose. The seed has a purpose for which it must grow as a tree to bear fruits and the fruits have a purpose to produce more seeds and the end result is continuity of purpose.
Empty Slogans
Like seedless fruits, empty slogans are also a convenient item for consumption which will experience its death pang without any hope of continuity the moment the shout is over. If a meaningful national slogan cannot be expanded into grand scheme of things, it will become a disservice to a nation as it turns hope into a mirage and a vibrant society into a mass in a state of inertia that will soon see its distant surrounding overwhelming it. Lip service has the capacity of turning the greater population into a cynical lot.
An idea called democracy
An idea is a seed with a grand scheme of things with continuity in mind. Today the world over, we hear the rejuvenated shouts of democracy echoing in every corner. At its inception the idea was to give power to people and that people themselves should decide what is best for them.
The Greeks started it. The Romans experimented on it. The French Philosopher Montesquieu debated it (the concept of separation of powers is an integral part of democracy). We now have Congressional and Parliamentary Systems. To safe guard the realization of “Power to People”, creative and resourceful thinkers had put in place various mechanisms for compliance. Inventive people know too well that without instruments exacting obedience, people in general will tend to abuse anything that is designed for a common good.
The sacred position of common good necessitates instruments outlining the obligations of all who form and become inclusive of a collective voice called a society. Documents outlining the contractual relationship between People and the State, which we now understand in our country as the Federal Constitution, had become imperative with room for expansion and improvisation. The effective adherence and commitment to the Constitution is made possible by various administrative institutions with the introduction of separation of powers to safe guard that sacrosanct citizen and state relationship.
Now a forward or backward reading of democracy and “power to people” in which ever way will reflect harmony and purpose. And because of this unity, there is hope for modification, improvement and enhancement of the concept. There is room for remodeling and there is space for improvisation in an ever evolving society.
Society and Evolution
A society consisting of living beings is endowed with a self generating pattern of evolution. It is constantly changing. It needs to remodel itself and that can only be done effectively by adaptation and improvisation and this is where the slogans are introduced to spark an innovative idea for a renewed beginning. A slogan with an intended grand scheme of things can give birth to a vision of harmony and purpose very much like the seed and the fruit.
A slogan is a spark as well as an impetus. It ignites and remains a flame.
Trivializing Slogans
Reformasi
What is Reformasi apart from being a wonderful slogan?
Does this seed have a greater purpose for reformation to survive or continue? Right thinking members of society ask what this movement intended to achieve by the very shout of this slogan. Can we visualize this seed turning into a grand scheme of things with comprehensive policy safe guards that will allow room for experiments and improvements?
In hearing the shouts of Reformasi, people would generally think that it is intended to bring reformation to the people which encompass a positively altered way of thoughts that will pave the way for the restructuring of the unworkable system of governance that is pulling this nation down.
After more than ten years from the first clenched fist of Reformasi, we see that many associated with this movement struggling with basic issues like unethical party hopping, corruption, mediocrity and the propagation of distrust among the ethnically divided fragile cooperation. Racial and communal political patriotism and championing are still deeply rooted in many within this movement.
As this slogan is only a sub slogan of the main slogan of democracy, one expects that this slogan will compliment and supplement democracy but sadly the basic ideas of good governance which is part of democracy whether of a state or a political party, still elude many within this slogan. No wonder we hear less and less of the shouts of Reformasi nowadays.
Is Reformasi dead? Or is there a renewed direction to this slogan.
Change
What is Change? Is it not obvious that a change can be for better or worse? A mere sloganeering with word such as “change” does not define an idea with a grand scheme of things in mind.
The fact is reformasi is a form of change but more importantly a change in a positive sense. Thus the slogan change is in effect an outdated slogan going back to reformation. In fact reformation is a superseding theme for the slogan called “Change”. Reformation is an improvised positive term for change, applicable in an advance, clean and efficient system of governance.
Between Change and Reformasi, there is confusion and we are regressing even in sloganeering.
A slogan that screams change must have reformation in mind otherwise sporadic whispers “that the only change that is taking place is the change of heart of many who feel that they are terribly short changed”, might become loud and boisterous shouts.
If there is one reformation that our society must desperately and urgently embrace, then it must be the reformation with renewed mindsets of our people that free us from the very system that has a terrible grip on all our actions and reactions. Look around and see how feudal and patriarchal our society has become.
1Malaysia
What is the grand scheme of things by the utterance of this 1 Malaysia?
Is it one nation with one identity called Malaysians where there is no place for race based society and congregation, one language spoken by all where none will be a stranger in a crowded promenade, one education system where there will be no distrust and suspicion, one judicial system where there will be no confusion and confrontation, one financial system that streamlines our financial prudence, one system of governance where all will have equal opportunity, appraisal, recognition and occupancy. One vision, one struggle, one goal, one dream and one unwavering hope, not of Malaysia for Malaysians, but Malaysians for Malaysia our motherland?
A simple visualization of this slogan gives many skipped heart beats in exhilaration. Can this nerve tingling excitement translate into an endless euphoria in the collective contemplation of the entire nation?
That endless euphoria is only possible when and if the author of this slogan visualizes and sets in motion an agenda in anticipation of the harvest time.
Upshot
When we elevate our focal point from Malaysia for Malaysians to Malaysians for Malaysia, we reach a higher consciousness where our collective conscience will discard its greedy consumerism enslaved by scarcity mindset and embrace the splendor of conservationism.
Barren lands will turn into vibrant ecosystems, polluted rivers will become pristine waterways and the air will be ours to breathe deep.
Not possible? Think again.
Augustine Anthony, you dream like Mat Jenin while perching on top of the coconut tree (before falling and smashing his thick skull)
Imagine
by John Lennon
Imagine there’s no heaven
It’s easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today…
Imagine there’s no countries
It isn’t hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace…
You may say I’m a dreamer
But I’m not the only one
I hope someday you’ll join us
And the world will be as one
Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world…
You may say I’m a dreamer
But I’m not the only one
I hope someday you’ll join us
And the world will live as one
If 1 MALAYSIA is to materialize, do you know how much the Bumiputras have to give up? Do you know how much UMNO stand to lose? A stupid slogan like this is misleading! Is UMNO and the Bumiputras ready to forego their “special rights”? Otherwise how the hell can 1 MALAYSIA be achieved!!!!!! Having the bumi and non-bumi differentiation has already divided Malaysia into TWO!
Another stupid slogan is WAWASAN 2020 formulated by TDM. We are now approaching 2010 and there is only another 10 years to go before 2020! So how much have we actually achieved in becoming an “advanced nation”?
This stupid slogan has left the bumis dreaming since it was uttered by TDM and none of them took an effort to work towards this goal! This simply makes WAWASAN 2020 an empty slogan and a MIRAGE! And this made me wonder since when Malaysia was moved to the desert!
Vision2020…all forgotten too…..because they know…it will not work…as long as their visions are dreaming to be living in palaces..with plenty of money…..false titles……making Malaysians poorer than ever.
Vision2020 is about bringing Malaysians standard of living at par with South East Asian rich successful countries.
At that time…when Mahathir said this..who hates Singapore…so jealous of Lee Kuan Yew…he is telling Malaysians…by year 202O ALL will earn as much as Singaporeans.
Now we are miles apart from South Korea and Taiwan…..who were poorer than us…15 years ago.
Why are we so far behind?
RM28 billion per year lost in overpricing tenders is the main reason….for decades..and on going…is the main reason.
Yes…the seed is priceless.
Seedless fruits will kill the fruit itself.
Bad seed spring out bad tree.
Take UMNO as a seed…and imagine what kind of fruits it will bear.
The movie…
The movie…”The Good Earth” is a classic example how important to have good seed to produce good fruits or good families.
Seed of Fruit is Food.
Seed of Poison is Stool.
Seed by Ethical people with cares to see its foot
will see Fruit in the Sky.
Seed by Cronies with Greediness in mind
will take blood from the Grass Root
and build their Palace to the Sky!
Slogan is not for Talk but also for Walk.
Slogan from those who Talk but no Walk are Walls or Wars
Or Wolfs in the air!
Seeds need to be sown on Peaceful land
with freedom to receive Light and Air
by ethical people with the mind of Rights and Fairs.
Sprout to be sheltered from the Storm.
Plants to be guided with supporter if they are not Strong.
Flowers to be visited by Bee or Butterfly with tenderness in mind
Worms to be caught before they grow wild.
Fruits need proper space of storage for every one to enjoy
and not for export!!
————————————–
The Federal Constitution is not Fair
to incorporate race with power to be manipulated.
People power is just a small dice within the slippery clauses.
Those who had revised the Constitution to give the ugly look of today
had forgotten the People!!
How many Lawyers work for Fairness without Fears?
How many Judges take Justice and Rules of Court?
Where have those Seeds of Fairness gone?
Where have those with hands of Justice gone?
A SEEDLESS MALAYSIA?
============================
LET SLOGANS AND REFORMASI BE HEADED BY ETHICAL, COMPETENT PEOPLE WHO HAVE PROVEN RECORD TO WALK THEIR TALKS!!
LAWYERS & JUDGES CANNOT EVEN KEEP THEIR WORDS, WALK THEIR TALK!!
POLICE FLIP FLOP!
OFFICIALS FOOLING ROUND THE CLOCK!
THOSE RAISED THE SLOGANS YEARS AGO NOW SITTING IN THEIR ROCKING CHAIR AND MOCK?
“Talking Democracy with Constitution, Laws and Government of Loops!!”
HHHHHHHee!!
A Nation with THOUSANDS Police cannot even handle ONE SINGLE POLICE REPORT ON ONE SINGLE LAWYERS WHO ASSAULTED CLIENTS!!
A National with Thousands of Lawyers dare not even take up a Suit against Developer ganged up with Officials stealing Public Land, Common Properties and Management!!
Hundreds of Blogs with MP and high officials,
NOT even one have the heart or dare to listen!!
REFORMASI IN THE SKY!!
SLOGANS COVERED GRIEVANCES!!
‘Barren lands will turn into vibrant ecosystems, polluted rivers will become pristine waterways and the air will be ours to breathe deep’.
I, and my decendants will look forward to these glorious days under the Malaysian sun!
Najib spin doctor coin the phrase 1Malaysia.
But he himself can’t explain clearly what it means.
Also Moideen is clueless. So does the rest of the Cabinet.
Just come out openly as say that it is the same as DAP’s Malaysian Malaysia! DAP has been steadfast for all these 40+years in expounding this slogan.
Whatever happened to Najis’ “going glocal”?
Slogan are just slogan and it doesn’t meant anything.
Mahathir came up with “wawasan 2020”, and we’re going backwards.
Pak Lah came up with “Islam Hadari”, and it never worked.
As for that “Satu Malaysia”, It’s just a only fart!
//Not possible? Think again.// Augustine
I don’t even know what to think, so what is there to think again? Augustine, you are trying to be philosophical for nothing.
Slogan is an idea, a vision. It is meaningful to the one who pens it and it is meaningful to supporters who can relate to such an idea or vision. Surely not all would agree to a slogan due to our differences and intersts.
A slogan may not work because many disagree with it. Even if a slogan is agreeable by most, it may still not work when the intent of the slogan is skewed beyond recognition. For example, when the slogan talks about “change”, are the people promoting it genuinely want change. Similarly, when our PM promotes 1Malaysia, do we really understand his intent? Alternatively, is his intent of 1Malaysia meant of everyone as defined by Augustine?
Augustine is a typical role model malaysian who trusts what the mainstream media puts on his plate everyday and which embodies the elements of thoughtlessness, mindlessness and passivity.
He’s the regular joe who’ll do the job without asking any questions. LOL
yep i agree with the fact that all motto’s that BN comes up with are eronneous. Wawasan 2020 was such a brain bashing term coinned by TDM and we know for real it ain’t gonna happen. 1malaysia is an attempt at not having a deadline and thus not called 1malaysia2020 coz once again ain’t a reality.
All this media hype(well BN owns the media) is once again a grave deception. i pity bagan pinang folks, it must feel like they sold their souls to the devil. anyways, time to move on, those who have sensible prospective views about their future in this country would do away with the repugnant BN.
Furthermore, if Nah-cheap preaches 1Malaysia he should practice it. That would mean, immediately
abolish race based everything! If not, stop being a hypocrite!
Anyways, it’s impossible for him to implement 1Malaysia, it’s nothing but a daylight deception to kampung folks. The typical BN motto’s that are baseless and senseless and also objectiveless. It works on a TV serial but not in real life. Someone do us a favour, throw a pie on his face!
The best slogan :
“CHANGE WE CAN BELIEVE IN” has changed a Republican nation to a Democrat.
Also suitable for Malaysia’s transition from BN to PR.
One of the great benefits of Internet is that it opens limitless opportunities for freelance writers to express their thoughts including as regards to politics.
Traditionally and mostly political writings are non fiction. They concentrate on (primarily) communicating information and presenting facts and arguments in factual manner.
Metaphors, though not entirely absent, are sparingly used. That is the straighforward non fiction style of Mainstream Newspapers/on line news bulletins like Malaysiakini/The MalaysiaInsider/RPK’s MalaysiaToday and even Saudara LKS blog here.
Augustine Anthony is lawyer, and one expects his training to incline him to write in factual narrative style of non fictyion – like a reporter.
But lo he does not. He likens empty political slogans to “seedless fruits”, that without seeds permit no further “continuity” by way of regeneration of fruit bearing activity after the initial shout!. He talks of the transition from ‘Malaysia for Malaysians to Malaysians for Malaysia’ as moving towards a higher platform of national ‘collective conscience’ described as “barren lands will turn into vibrant ecosystems, polluted rivers will become pristine waterways and the air will be ours to breathe deep.”
The prosaic and the unimaginative cast in a colorless and mundane mould of mindset will wonder aloud in exasperation what has ecology or the ecosystem anything to do with politics!
Thus missing the central point here – that the writer’s genre of writing is creative nonfiction, which as a style, is still relatively young but fast gaining popularity.
Creative non fiction purposively blurs the lines between fiction and non fiction.
It tries to balance presentation of facts in straightforward prose against equal attention to the writing craft heavily dosed and embellished with imageries similes and metaphors.
It attempts to shape non fiction writing of politics in a way that reads (interestingly) like fiction or literary piece.
It may not occur to Augustine Anthony but sometimes by his style his message becomes, by his own description, “seedless fruits”!
Anthony should heed “The Sermon on the Mount” by Jesus: “Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.” – Matthew, Chap. 7.
Oh, now another pseudo (and long winded) philosopher is saying many here do not understand Augustine. Look, the pseudo philosopher is the only swine here.
One more thing: how can there be Malaysians for Malaysia when there is no Malaysia for Malaysians?
Injustice is a very painful thing. Get the basis right first; the rest will fall in place. Talking lots of philological cok only confuse more people.
I didn’t say ‘many’ here do not understand Augustine but I suppose there is nothing here to stop anyone from spontaneously taking on the hat to wear it when it fits exactly his confused head!
#14 by Jeffrey on Sunday, 15 November 2009 – 7:25 am
Thanks the comment.
Should “POLITICIANS without Roots? Without Hearts? ” be at least equally important to be attended as the “Seedless Fruit”?
————————————-
Vision will be illusion if one do not see from what they have to start with. and, to be guided by a FAIR heart and Rational mind.
It should be best from their own Profession, if they are one. If they dare not or cannot tell what wrong or drawback in their professional, start the Reform from there, should they start Slogan for the overall?
For a Legal Profession, with all that had happened in the past 50 years, should one look into
1. The Constitution and Laws?
2. Can Democracy be there when these were laid out with obvious loopholes?
3. Why those practicing and administrating laws do not stick to Rules and Regulations? To such an extent of lawyers and Judges.
To an area where Professionalism and Ethnic count most is going “wild”, should it be ignored and Talk about Visions?
1. Should lawyers (including very senior) puff their clients that the Developer has not obligation to obtain Authority Consent during Transfer of Strata Title?
2. Should Bar Council explained on behalf of the Respondent when he was puffing, paid and puff to have done the job but obviously not done?
3. Should Bar Council tell the client to get legal advice instead of telling what is wrong?
4. Should the Disciplinary Board object to provide the Complainant a copy of the Explanation? Tell the Complainant No Merit with hearing or investigation when documents shown clearly the Respondent was puffing?
5. Should DB provide a list of the DB panel as a copy of the DB minutes in deciding the complaint?
6. When lawyers are engaged for a court case, should they puff the client saying no counterclaim with an irrelevant court case?
Denying the allegation without rebutting the particulars as Defense?
7. Should court allow Lawyers’ application with false statement without going through the points? And, the notes of the proceeding cannot be found after an order was issued?
8. Should court allow lawyers of both parties to “play concert” to drag on the case but threaten the clients with Order 35 after 2-3 years when the lawyer of the clients did not attend court throughout the period and assaulted the clients?
9. Should the court corned the clients to stand for trial when these happened?
10. Can the lawyer voluntary discharge himself without filing Application of Discharge? Yet the Court refused and dragged on NOT telling the lawyer to file the application of Discharge, even it had been promised to do so for couple of times? Judges after Judges, this continues!!
11. Those judges are in the Commissioner of the Court even after complained and transferred!!
12. Lawyers after lawyers got paid and no work!!
13. Court gave not reply or reply not even to one of the 8-9 points of a letter.
From the mouths of senior lawyers:
1. Condo and Apartment has no difference!
2. Cheating can only be handled by Police.
3, Same case but to be in three different suit to different parties.
4.”The plaintiff was my pupil” “You can go abroad and the Court cannot act onto you” – a senior member of DB!
Are these area where ETHNICS and Professionalism count most?
Police dragged, AG silent, PCB dare not even to confirm the receipt of the Complaint, including the Directors!!
SHOULD WE TALK ABOUT SLOGANS FOR THE FUTURE OF MALAYSIA??
Politics is tempting!!
“Give him a Chance”!! Datuship came around!!
PLEASE GIVE ME SLOGANS FOR THE LEGAL SECTOR!!
“Reformasi”
‘After more than ten years from the first clenched fist of Reformasi, we see that many associated with this movement struggling with basic issues like unethical party hopping, corruption, mediocrity and the propagation of distrust among the ethnically divided fragile cooperation. Racial and communal political patriotism and championing are still deeply rooted in many within this movement.’
PR, what are we waiting for? Sow the Good seeds Now!.
///Barren lands will turn into vibrant ecosystems, polluted rivers will become pristine waterways and the air will be ours to breathe deep.///
If “1Malaysia” has a clear vision and uttered by a charismatic leader it just may fire our imagination instead of the robotic show of one finger pointing in the empty air we see on television. No passion! Just a forced false smile…
When the “Reformasi” slogan was shouted, it became a war cry! Deep passion for changed was fired up in the people’s mind and the leader… Anwar Ibrahim who leads the war cry… close your eyes for a moment… can you visualize the difference?
Today this war cry has borne fruit. BN lost its two thirds majority. Malaysia is moving relentless.y towards a two party system. Communal politics is shunned by most Malaysians. Corruption is no longer tolerated.
Ha ha! Everyone forgotten about the VISION 2020 slogan?
Vision 2020 is not likely to be achieved. In order to become a developed nation by 2020, Malaysia will need to have GDP growth of 9% every year from now to 2020. Practically impossible given the state of Malaysia’s economy.
So much for the grand deluded dreams of Dr. M. But Dr. M is quickly trying to blame PR and political instability as the reason why we will miss the goals of Vision 2020. Talk about passing the buck.
You can’t be a good leader if you cannot evaluate your decisions and its consequences honestly (i.e. a king that only wants to hear good news will never be a good king). And Malaysians voted this joker for 22 years.
Vision 2020 is not likely to be achieved. In order to become a developed nation by 2020, Malaysia will need to have GDP growth of 9% every year from now to 2020. Practically impossible given the state of Malaysia’s economy.//katdog
Even if sustaining high GDP growth is difficult, it is not the sole measure of developed status. In fact, I would venture to say that if macroeconomic policies are right, achieving GDP growth would be the easier among the measures to attain developed status. Developed status is not single dimensional. It is not just based on income and material wealth. Is Kuwait a developed nation then? Is Brunei a developed country? Even Korea, an OECD country, is hard to be defined or classified as a developed nation. More importantly, a developed nation must portray human development, decency, good governance, free information flows, civil liberty and equity, and free and fair contest for political power through ideas and the ballot boxes. It must exclude the tyranny of majority, abuse of power, ever impending military or police intervention, bigotry, discrimination, marginalisation, and exploitation. Don’t let them use one single measure, the GDP, to fool us.
None of all you mentioned is even faintly available in malaysia, not before, not now and perhaps never unless BN is dethroned.
Boy. Is he, the author above, attempting to randomise some random events?
But as near as I could get, I think najib certainly is. Or in more pratical terms, he is attempting to touch the universe with a long pole.
Since when has a nincompoop been appointed spokesman for DAP??
“Oh, now another pseudo (and long winded) philosopher is saying many here do not understand Augustine. Look, the pseudo philosopher is the only swine here.” nincompoop
A swine calling another swine??
1Malaysia, by the way, is just an advertising gimmick for “Wan Malaysia”. Why are you reading so much into that?
So much cynicism’s. It just goes to show how far down that hell hole BN has brought us all.
The Good Lord must be wondering why Msians keep on voting them in. I suppose fools never learn.