The Piece Movement: Supplementing 1Malaysia concept

I like the idea behind the Piece Movement (it is “piece” 2.0 NOT “peace” 2.0).

Einstien revealed that we do not live in a universe with discrete, physical objects separated by dead space. The Universe is one indivisible, dynamic whole in which energy and matter are so deeply entangled it is impossible to consider them as independent elements.” So, it is a fact, we – every-one & every-thing – are interconnected, time to start acting that way ~ “piece”.

The “piece” sign and icon show us united & connected. The fingers are together and the center circle in the icon is solid and surrounded by bands of energy – as they should be. It also says “piece” which is a reminder and a call to action in the moment. The “piece” sign is an acknowledgement that we are all an equal “piece” of the universe and should act accordingly. In fact, all and everything are constituted from “pieces”, even time is structured as “pieces” of moments. “Piece” reminds us that we are a “piece” of an interconnected universe.

The “piece” 2.0 lifestyle = taking the planet, other people and prosperity into consideration in each moment. The result of moments lived in “piece” is peace of mind, body and spirit.

This is also the very idea behind Holons and Holarchy. Therefore, the 1Malaysia concept can have its scientific and philosophical foundation in the Piece Movement / Peace Movement and Holarchy …… we are all Holons or Pieces, “Always Partial, Already Whole”.

After 1Malaysia… here comes 15Malaysia

Much publicity and fanfare have been given to the 1Malaysia concept, with the full support of the various governmental channels in promoting the relevant web-site (http://www.1malaysia.com.my).

Now here comes the 15Malaysia (http://www.15malaysia.com) giving a humorous renderings of the socio-political scenes in Malaysia, complementing and supplementing the efforts in promoting national unity in diversity.

It would be interesting to observe the socio-political effects of #15Malaysia (the relevant hashtag in Twitter) in the coming weeks. It could be an interesting anthropology study too, besides being an excellent opportunity to test the “effectivenesss” of the Social Media as compared to the MSM (main stream media).

We are living in exciting time and place, aren’t we?

One-Malaysia Fund & Political Permaculture

AS 1Malaysia Fund

As one of the channels for the promotion of the One-Malaysia concept, Dato’ Sri Najib Razak, the Malaysian Prime Minister, had just officially unveiled the One-Malaysia Fund or Amanah Saham 1Malaysia.

I think the One-Malaysia Fund should set aside certain amount exclusively to promote Permaculture (both as entrepreneurial projects as well as lifestyle values), in line with the People (First), Performance (Now), Permaculture (Forever) fully complementing the Triple-Bottom-Line of People-Profit-Planet or CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility).

The investment potential of Permaculture can be viewed from two broad angles:

(1)   Biopreneurship: As a venture capital fund for biological / agricultural project, particularly those related to renewable energy (such as bio-diesel), or carbon-credit project (such as biochar), linked to global climate change or soil fertility etc.

(2)   Lifestyle projects: With the inevitable coming arrival of Peak Oil, the globalization process might have to be modified or even reversed. Bioregionalism or Relocalization (such as eco-village etc) would have to be considered seriously, particularly in the context of Permaculture.

These efforts are in fact the broad direction of the so-called Green New Deal, fully tapping (working with rather than taming) Nature in solving socio-economic issues. Therefore, the One-Malaysia Fund could contribute significantly in these efforts by promoting and investing in Permaculture projects / values system / causes.

Through this investment approach, the Malaysian edition of the People-Performance-Permaculture would be realized. This would certainly be a leading exemplary showcase for achieving the Triple-Bottom-Line of People-Profit-Planet, via a governmental or political intervention — a true demonstration of world-class political will and commitment, in attaining the goals of the of Green New Deal.

By then, the Malaysian edition of the People-Performance-Permaculture would be a true legacy to the world… Political Permaculture (compared to the emerging field of Financial Permaculture), as concisely detailed in my previous post: http://bit.ly/2Bhrh6 .

People (First), Performance (Now), Permaculture (Forever)

Under the One-Malaysia (1Malaysia) concept, the Malaysian Prime Minister, Dato’ Sri Najib Razak, has been promoting the principle and spirit of “People First, Performance Now”. This is a most commendable and adorable effort, as highlighted in the previous post entitled “Najib’s first 100 days as Malaysian Prime Minister”.

I’ve been spending considerable times pondering deeply over this whole issue of One-Malaysia concept, viewing from the local, global and cosmic perspectives as advocated under the Bumisohology approach.

The following proposal / suggestion has been arrived at, with the sole purpose of making the One-Malaysia concept more comprehensive, and more importantly (w)holistic, fully compatible with or even exceeding the expectations under the much publicized  Green New Deal (under President Barack Obama) and the New Deal (under President Franklin Roosevelt) instituted under grave financial and economic conditions:

(1)   The well-known Triple-Bottom-Line advocates People-Profit-Planet (3P) or Equity-Economy-Ecology (3E). This is also the ideal behind the various approached for CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility).

(2)   Permaculture (PERMAnent AgriCULTURE for Sustainable Agriculture or PERMAnent CULTURE for Sustainable Design or Lifestyle) is a fast-catching-up buzz word for a comprehensive Design Science that mimics the working of Nature, and a Lifestyle for Sustainable Future to counter the devastating effects of the inevitable arrival of Peak Oil when petroleum supplies run out.

(3)   Permaculture, as a Design Science and a Lifestyle or values system, places particular emphasis on Diversity and Unity. In fact, it is an all-inclusive approach based on the working of Nature. It will help overcome the adverse effects of the convergence of crisis of Finance / Fuel / Food etc.

(4)   Indeed, there is even a tendency to use the noun “Permaculture” as a verb to indicate its all-inclusive and (w)holistic approach as exemplified in the slogan “Permaculture everything, Permablitz everyone” (meaning “permaculturize” everything and “preaching Permaculture” to everyone). Just like Twitter has become a verb.

(5)   Therefore, to include “Permaculture” into the One-Malaysia concept is only natural and “naturalistic”. The word helps to make the One-Malaysia concept “permanent”, in the global and cosmic sense (with its universal values).

(6)   This could help Malaysians understand, appreciate and practice Permaculture in all aspects of life. Malaysia would then be truly the first country in the World to “adopt” such approach, even exceeding the expectations under the New Green Deal.

Therefore, “People-First, Performance-Now, Permaculture-Forever” or People-Performance-Permaculture (The New 3P) would be THE  Green New Deal for the World, fully complementing the People-Profit-Planet (3P) or Equity-Economics-Ecology (3E) approach adopted world-wide for the Triple-Bottom-Line (TBL) methodology.

By then, the Malaysian edition of the People-Performance-Permaculture would be a true legacy to the world… Political Permaculture (compared the emerging field of Financial Permaculture).

Proud to be Malaysian.

Is Slacktivism the new Activism?

CouchPotato-Slacktivism

General social and political apathy amongst dominant sectors of our society can probably find its soution in what is known as “Slackitivism” (from the word “Slack” and “Activism”). The following excerpts could be most enlightening:

(1) “Slacktivism” is an apt term to describe feel-good online activism that has zero political or social impact. It gives those who participate in “slacktivist” campaigns an illusion of having a meaningful impact on the world without demanding anything more than joining a Facebook group. Remember that online petition that you signed and forwarded to your entire contacts list? That was probably an act of slacktivism…

“Slacktivism” is the ideal type of activism for a lazy generation: why bother with sit-ins and the risk of arrest, police brutality, or torture if one can be as loud campaigning in the virtual space? Given the media’s fixation on all things digital — from blogging to social networking to Twitter — every click of your mouse is almost guaranteed to receive immediate media attention, as long as it’s geared towards the noble causes. That media attention doesn’t always translate into campaign effectiveness is only of secondary importance.

The adherents of “slacktivism” usually point a well-known narrative to justify what they are doing: while it’s true that the dramatic fall in transaction costs of organizing activist campaigns has simply opened up the field to many more participants and issues, there has been no drop in the actual quality and effectiveness of these campaigns. It’s easy to dismiss most criticism of “slacktivism” as simply unproductive: after all, having thousands of people — most of them previously not involved in any activist campaigns at all — suddenly start practicing the kind of click-based “nano-activism” available via Facebook and Twitter could be extremely useful, if only for specific campaigns that would, indeed, benefit from increased public attention.

Of course, the ideal case here is when one’s participation in digital activism doesn’t subtract from — and instead enhances — one’s eagerness to participate in real-life campaigns. However, it’s also quite possible that a significant portion of the activist population would be morally content with the “slacktivist” option alone, preferring not to get too close to more dangerous activities that are likely to get them in trouble with authorities.

Except from: http://neteffect.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2009/05/19/the_brave_new_world_of_slacktivism

(2) Slacktivism is the search for the ultimate feel-good that derives from having come to society’s rescue without actually getting one’s hands dirty, volunteering any of one’s time, or opening one’s wallet. It’s slacktivism that prompts us to forward appeals for business cards on behalf of a dying child intent upon having his name recorded in the Guinness World Book of Records or exhortations to others to continue circulating a particular e-mail because some big company has supposedly promised that every forward will generate monies for the care of a languishing tot. Likewise, it’s slacktivism that prompts us to want to join a boycott of designated gas companies or eschew buying gasoline on a particular day rather than reduce our personal consumption of fossil fuels by driving less and taking the bus more often. Slacktivism comes in many forms, but its defining characteristic is its central theme of doing good with little or no effort on the part of the person inspired to participate, through the mechanisms of forwarding, exhorting, collecting, or e-signing.

Excerpt from: http://www.snopes.com/info/glossary.asp

Viewed from the local or individual perspective, slacktivism seemingly makes “good sense”. It certainly helps to create awareness of issues at hand.

From the global perspective, the relevant ICT platforms make slacktivism feasible with global reach, as well as involving other stakeholders in the process.

Viewed from the cosmic perspective, however, the issue involves the consideration of human conscience and higher human values. This could serve as further motivator for more grass-root action than mere slacktivism, resulting in a more (w)holistic approach to social and political engagement.

In Memory of Yasmin Ahmad

Yasmin speaking at TEDxKualaLumpur

This post is in memory of Yasmin Ahmad, the Malaysian Film Maker, whom I met at the TEDxKuala Lumpur event in early June here.

The 51-year-old movie maker was famed for her advertisements and films capturing the essence of racial harmony in Malaysia.

Teoh, MACC and Cosmo

The death of Teoh Beng Hock (赵明福) , political secretary to Selangor Exco member Ean Yang Hian Wah, on the fifth floor roof of Plaza Masalam, where the Selangor MACC (Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission) HQ is located on the 14^th Floor, has been shocking news in Malaysia, because he was supposedly to be in the MACC’s premises earlier on while assisting in some investigation.

This unfortunate happening or tragic event could be analyzed through our usual three perspectives, namely the local, global and cosmic or universal perspectives:

(1)   Teoh Beng Hock or individual — local perspective

(2)   MACC or Malaysian Government —- global perspective

(3)   Human Dignity or Universal Value —- cosmic or universal perspective

The general perception is that Teoh (having local input only) as an individual private citizen was practically “powerless” in facing the “powerful” MACC (having global access to government machinery).

This requires or results in some adjustments and balancing in future dealings (tragically not applicable in Teoh’s case anymore), either as much-desired administrative procedures or through the ballot boxes in a democratic setting via individual votes, since the global power of the government is derived from the local individual votes. It would be interesting to watch how the perception of this event could affect the recent soaring popularity ratings of Datuk Seri Najib as shown in the recent poll in connection with his 100^th day as PM of Malaysia.

The basis for these required adjustments / balancing in future dealings is the cosmic or universal value of human dignity, personal safety etc. An equally valid basis, perhaps, is the cosmic or universal rule of karma or Golden Rule “do to other as you would other do to you” (respecting his /her human-ness).

Najib’s first 100 days as Malaysian Prime Minister

According to the latest poll conducted by Merdeka Centre, the sixth Prime Minister of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, had received an approval rating of 65% on his first 100 days in office, as against an approval rating of 42% only upon taking office on April 3. This could possibly be much envy of the likes of Obama and Ma Yin-Jiu?

The results were conceivable when viewed and analyzed in the context of local, global and universal or cosmic perspectives (our so-called Bumi-Soho-Logy approach or methodology).

On the local perspective, the government had introduced a number of measures considered favorably by locals, such as the use of mother-tongue in teaching of science and mathematics in primary schools, more equitable access to scholarships etc. The introduction of modern management concepts and matrix such as the KRAs (Key Result Areas) and KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) had also enhanced local confidence.

On the global perspective, the government had removed the limitations imposed by FIC (Foreign Investment Committee) on the required 30% bumiputra participation in companies. Malaysia has therefore joined the global communities in competing for global financing and funding or investments.

On the universal or cosmic perspective, the government’s “restraint” (after much feared anticipation) of the use of the ISA (Internal Security Acts) and even promised review (hopefully not proven pre-mature) had given rise to the sense of upheld of much-treasured universal values. Najib’s approval rating will only go up if more attention / action is given in this area.

It is often said that data (whether from surveys or otherwise) follow the following sequence: data => information => knowledge => wisdom. Bumi-Soho-Logy follows the similar path: local (information) => global (knowledge) => universal or cosmic (wisdom).

May the governments of the day the world over have the wisdom of Bumi-Soho-Logy.

Power of Words

The Malaysian public is generally highly sensitive to matters connected with race and religion. This is of course widely reflected in the language issues as mentioned in my previous post in this blog. This is rightly so, as Heidegger did say that “Language is the House of Being”.

It is therefore not surprising that the “inappropriate” choice of words could cause wide-spread uneasiness in the Malaysian society, particularly in the current fight against the global spread of Influenza A H1N1 (officially designated by the WHO) or Selesema Babi (Pig or Swine Flu in Malay) officially designated by the Malaysian Information Ministry (so-called official version).

As the official religion in Malaysia is Islam, the word “Babi” (Pig or Swine) is therefore highly sensitive. Frequent utterance of the word, especially in so-called official channels such as government TV stations etc., is certainly beyond logics or common sense.

Let us use the same principle of Bumi-Soho-Logy (employed in my previous post) to analyze the issue at hand: the use of local / global / cosmic or universal perspectives.

To use the term “Selesema Babi” is certainly adopting a local perspective … too local in the context of the global spread of the disease. The global and officially sanctioned term is “Influenza A H1N1”. That is the global perspective rightly.

Employing the cosmic / universal perspective (as required in the Bumi-Soho-Logy approach), one would have to wonder what is the interconnectedness involved, unless one could bring in the Theory of Conspiracy (not necessarily true). Heaven forbids!? And what about Heidegger’s famous quote “Language is the House of Being”? The interpretation / implication of that would be sacrilegious, wouldn’t it?

Indeed, in the spirit of Bumi-Soho-Logy!

Language Issues in Malaysia Solved the Bumisohology Way

Let us critically look at the much-debated Language Issues (Malay as the official language, mother-tongue education and the need to master English) in Malaysia through a (w)holistic lens as required by the Bumisohology approach.

From a local perspective, Malay as the official language (and medium of instruction in schools / universities) is beyond dispute. There is no necessity to argue over the matter any more, because this is the local perspective (and needed as such). Period.

Now, let us examine the issues from the global / cosmic / universal perspectives. From a global perspective, bioregional diversity is the norm in life sciences (particularly emphasized in permaculture – permanent agriculture or permanent culture — which should be made a compulsory study in schools). Survival and resilience (not to mention thriving) require or even mandate such a landscape. Therefore, mother-tongue education and the need to master English (for its global role in world affairs currently) are equally validated. If further argument or discussion is needed, let us do this in the spirit of permaculture (it was said that one needs to know more about permaculture if one is new to the term).

However, the cosmic / universal perspective would be most interesting. Things in the universe are organized in holarchic order (individually called holons which are “wholes” and “parts” at the same time as we scale up /down). We are all inter-connected in a self-organized holarchi open (SOHO) system. It would be detrimental (even sacrilegious) to behave otherwise.

In short, we need the local, the global and the cosmic / universal perspectives to solve the Language Issues in Malaysia. We need to adopt a (w)holistic approach.

This is also what Bumisohology is all about.

( P.S: This blog was created a day before super-star Michael Jackson passed away on 25th June 2009. In the spirit of Bumisohology (interconnectedness, survival, thrive and fate … SURTHRIVAL … thriving through all circumstances), we like to dedicate this blog to his memory).