NATIONAL DAY PARADE: LEAVE THE TREES ALONE

We are appalled that 12 beautiful trees are to be mercilessly chopped down so that VIPs can have an unobstructed view of the National Day Parade. It is ironic that the destruction of the environment is perpetuated by and for the very people who preach constantly to the people about preserving the environment.

Our earnest appeal to the powers-that-be: leave the lovely trees alone. They have a right to be where they are. They are irreplaceable unlike offending political leaders who can be replaced repeatedly and speedily.

The Universiti Sains Malaysia vice-chancellor’s appeal to the students “to honour the decision” to chop down the trees is most deplorable. Why should anyone, including students, “honour” decisions that are wrong, irrational, immoral and unethical? What’s more, the students were not even consulted before the decisions were made.

Historic events that brought about great changes - such as the French Revolution and, more recently, the Indonesian students’ action that led to the removal of a corrupt leader - would not have been possible if people had silently controlled their outrage over immoral situations.

The money and the resources used for religious and moral education is a waste if students are not encouraged to demonstrate the courage of their convictions. Instead, they are told to “honour” an immoral and unethical decision. This is not the hallmark of a democratic society.

If those heading educational institutions continue to impede efforts to raise social awareness and to allow the flourishing of democratic traditions, then our endeavour to build a civil society is doomed.

Executive Committee
3 July 1998