Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe.
– Albert Einstein, theoretical physicist
We are tethered to the wretched earthly bonds, bondages and boundaries giving us the illusion of existence with the aid of the five physical senses. That’s that part of you that showcases your true nature emanating from your inner core as it were. The real you that dances to your DNA – inescapable and inevitable, frequently embarrassing, periodically brilliant, and usually meaningless.
A wise Eastern sage quipped that we are three persons (masks): what we want others to think we are, what others think we are, and the real you that faithfully fulfils your earthbound duty by dancing to your DNA. Mark Twain observed that “everyone is a moon, and has a dark side which he never shows to anybody.” That is, until some courageous and inquisitive explorer decides to venture there to his utter regret and disappointment.
The likes of Caligula, Stalin, Hitler, Pol Pot, and many other political freaks of nature danced vigorously to their DNA with sadistic delight. Imagine what their ancestors danced to! And then, predictably, everyone blames the Creator for what was wrought in the creature or in the grand design of creation.
Incidentally, there is that deadly devious DNA dance to parliamentary democracy, authoritarian or totalitarian democracy, guided democracy, republicanism, fascism, socialism, communism – all of which dance only to the DNA of capitalism.
Steven Pinker, one of the iconic thinkers of the times, refers to this phenomenon in evolutionary psychology. Every era creates and sustains a particular sense of identity to a specific set of questionable values and beliefs. The hippies of the 60’s, for example, redefined politics and culture as did the Nazis in Germany and the Fascists in Italy during WW2. Malaysians, too served time since 1957 dancing to a baffling political DNA which has hopefully evolved post-GE15.
Try adjusting your DNA so that you can react, act, and interact different. Your DNA defines your nature, your essence, your core values that offer you the skill sets to survive and succeed in the professions, business and politics. The awakened stay clear of such corporeal pursuits. Their calling is elsewhere. Their DNA dance is strictly to spirituality. To each his own.
Leaders must heed the late great Tiger of Jelutong, Karpal Singh Deo who cautioned that permanent principles in politics vis-a-vis permanent friends or foes must dictate and permeate politics. Gutter politics in Malaysia has hopefully been deposited in the trash bin of history given the new regime promising a renewed sense of honour, integrity and dignity of office.
Human stupidity resists evolution. The comedian George Carlin explained: “never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups.” If a million people say a foolish thing, it’s still a foolish thing. It’s curiously called a democracy where the will of the people counts. Who’s watching the vote counters?
The judiciary’s DNA dancing involves exploring, explaining and applying the law. Malaysian judges are empowered to dance solely to the DNA of their Sixth Schedule judicial oath to vigorously apply Article 162(6) and Article 162(7) Federal Constitution “with such modifications as may be necessary to bring it into accord with the provisions of this Constitution.” Plainly speaking, our judges are required to modify any awkward piece of legislation, or tweak a constitutional oversight without parliamentary intercession until newer legislation unleashes the power to overrule.
The YB katak DNA dance is hopefully history with the recently gazetted anti-hopping law. Most kataks will be learning the steps of this new dance as their DNA evolves. We are not out of the woods as yet until the Elections Commission is de-commissioned, rejuvenated and realigned with a brand-new DNA dance.
The new reform-minded government has its work cut out for it. Court cluster MPs in the Cabinet have zero immunity so long as the courts perform their DNA dance routines. Until then, one is innocent until proven guilty. A Cabinet position does not mean one walks on water. Getting rid of skeletons in the closet is not a furtive exercise when the judiciary strictly follow its DNA dance steps.
Malaysia should now dance to the DNA of creating and sustaining an intellectually-creative society where geniuses are encouraged to come forward with their intellectual property rights for which they should be compensated. We must dance to the DNA of the leading edge of innovation and creativity that will augur well for Malaysia’s further and future growth.
The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of New Sarawak Tribune.
