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Natural Law and the Citizens’ Declaration

In past few days, Malaysia has experienced an event that no one has thought about it in recent times. The statement made by Prime Minister, Najib Tun Razak in Johore on the Citizens’ Declaration initiated by his former mentor, Tun Dr Mahathir together with his former Deputy, Muhyiddin Yassin indicates that Malaysian politics in the verge of entering a new horizon. Revolt within a political collision or party is a norm. In past it’s happened to all parties in Malaysia from UMNO, MCA, MIC, DAP, PKR and so on. But what was never happened before is what is happening now. Foes become friends and allies become enemies.

This event allows to me to revisit the notion of natural law and rhythms cycles theory.

According to the American Heritage Dictionary, natural law means ‘a law or body of laws that derives from nature and is believed to be binding upon human actions apart from or in conjunction with laws established by human authority.’

Natural law is associates with the theory of karma i.e. good deeds are rewarded but bad deeds will be punished.

Further, Aquinas, one of the most famous natural law theorists stated, ‘Law is a dictate of reason from the ruler for the community he rules. This dictate of reason is first and foremost within the reason or intellect of the ruler. It is the idea of what should be done to insure the well-ordered functioning of whatever community the ruler has care for.’

He summarized that the ruler or the government has the priority to fulfill the needs of the people and that’s should be the fundamental condition for them to adhere with. He added that if one fails on this, the nature will take it cause by punishing or removing the said ruler or government.

In addition, rhythms cycles theory which discuss the fall and rise of empires or political parties is propagated by Immanuel Wallerstein. In this theory, once the regimes achieved the optimum rise and its start to fall. Therefore to be relevant to the society as whole the said regimes will engage with mere fear, aggressive and oppressive tactics to stop the waves of discontentment. Unfortunately, the nature will not allow these regimes which are in power to be remaining in power forever.

By explaining his theory he said that all the empires like Mughal Dynasty, British Empire and Germany Supremacy had gone through this process. Meanwhile political parties like Kuomintang in Taiwan, LDP in Japan, Labour Party in UK and Republican Party in USA had the similar experiences.

Further he said, this process is cannot be dismantle. It’s a requirement of the nature and both theories are inter-related. If someone had done good deeds, the possible outcome will be a reward. The fall of Marcos and Suharto indicate that they are overthrown by their own people because of their transgressions.  Meanwhile, the retirement of Lee Kuan Yew and Nelson Mandela from politics allow them to be regarded as statesmen globally because of their contributions to their nation and world.

From the international relations perspective, the decline of American supremacy and the rise of China and Russia are based on this theory. Even though USA is currently regarded as a sole superpower but its dependency on China has evidenced its reluctance to get involved directly with South China Sea conflict.

In a nutshell, the pattern of the events that happening in our country in past two years, the disposition of people is changed considerably because of the high handed measures which were detrimental to the nation as a whole. Therefore the transformation is preordained. The changes are inevitable. But whether this transformation will brings positive outcome or not, only the history will determine.


Let’s wait and see.

Kuala Lumpur.

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