[UPDATED on 21 November 2010. Thank you Rainstorm for the correction.]

Do Malaysians only work together when there is an anti-mega tower page to “like”?

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Unity doesn’t only apply to a large group of peoples. It also applies to small and informal groups of people.

Recently, our Prime Minister presented the 2011 budget and came under massive attack over a one proposal – the RM5 million billion mega tower.

If you are a smart Malaysian, you could realise that the rakyat has started to once again become a thinking rakyat.

And what impressed me so much is the unity presented by Malaysians in supporting the move against this mega tower monolith via Facebook. I’ll admit that I browse Facebook daily just to update my status and post a funny remark here and there. But lately there is a more serious side to Facebook, the social media network activism side.

Are you too impressed by the unity? Are you too delighted to see Malaysians voicing their dissatisfaction?

This is a type of unity that involved massive number of people. Overnight, the number of people “liking” the page was beyond expectation. It may be taking place on a virtual platform, but it is a start and hopefully it will make a difference and affect change.

The unity, illustrated above is truly remarkable. But has unity presented itself around you without you realising it?

I saw a perfect example at my work place. I noticed it among the pupils in chambers at the firm I work in, and they have truly amazed me! They too, have displayed remarkable sense of unity among themselves during hard times.

Recently I had the opportunity to participate in my firm’s trip to Penang. It didn’t matter where we were headed because during the entire trip I had a fun time with the pupils. This experience together allowed me to have different views about unity – unity is always with us, regardless of when we are at work or when we are having fun.

Being a part of the family there gave me the opportunity to see for myself the positive and practical effects of unity. It became apparent to me when appropriate delegation of work amongst team members needed to be made. Everyone places their minds towards achieving a shared goal even when delegated separate tasks.

This means no one person can afford to not play their part and contribute their share of the work. This, although not governed by any statute or law, will still attract criticisms. Hence, the unity effect will be broken. In such circumstances, would you like to put the selfish person away or keep them there and hope for improvement?

At the end of the day, we have to realise and appreciate that unity cannot really take place when there is a selfish idiot trying to be the hero or when there is are slackers not pulling their weight. It also won’t happen if everyone is not staying united but merely proclaiming that they are united. Every individual must be willing to contribute and be part of the team to work it out to effect the value of unity. And of course, it is far more rewarding in terms of the outcome of the good project or work.

So remember, if you have a team of people and if you are the one idiot who is being selfish and arrogant, buck up and lose the attitude. If millions of Malaysians can stand united against a mega tower, why not you in your every day endeavours with your community?

Chris Tan is reading law at a local college and aspires to be a good lawyer. He will not let the fate of the curious cat get in the way of experiencing the new and embracing opportunities to learn. He thanks his lucky stars that he continues to meet fantastic characters from all walks of life, particularly LoyarBurokkers(!), who contribute in making him a wiser person. Life experiences are guides even to heaven’s door. Be amused by his jottings and tweets @christan_yh.

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