1 Malaysia!!

- Assalamualaikum -

Guidelines : -

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Malaysia is a multiracial country with a rich cultural heritage, its population is formed by 3 main races, the Malays, the Chinese, and the Indians, plus minorities of indigenous communities. Conflicts between races; racism issues are not uncommon in a multi-cultural country. It is common to often hear people gossiping which are the supreme races and which are the second class citizens; criticizing the government for playing with favoritism, cronyism politics, and race-based governance. However such conflicts have not been stirring up much severe issues for the country. Compared to neighborhood countries like Thailand and Indonesia where riots and strikes often took place; Malaysia is considered a rather politically stable country with its multi-racial population living in harmony, a paradise without much natural disasters and a dreamland with so much natural resources yet to be explored.

On 3rd April 2009, Datuk Seri Najib Razak was sworn in as Malaysia’s 6th Prime Minister, he then introduced the 1Malaysia concept which served as a cornerstone for his new political administration.

Ever since the 1Malaysia concept was introduced, it has been a much debated topic among Malaysians from various points of view. Some of them have argued that the concept has long existed but with different interpretations, while others felt that the concept was vague and needed further development and subjected to further translation.

The concept has received both positive and negative criticisms from people and also neutral groups. The positive group expressed support for the Prime Minister’s vision of 1Malaysia, they agreed that it is a vision to benefits the country and the people; it is a motive to encourage for national unity, fairness & justice. It is also a good approach to nurture the younger generation to think positively. Eventually the concept is to gather the strengths of all the people for achieving a better future. In contrast, the negative group with more pessimistic points of view thinks that 1Malaysia concept is just a catchy slogan, rhetoric or an advertisement campaign created by the government to won over Malaysians as well as to woo for votes and supports during the elections. It is just a new package with old ideas and promises that would never be delivered. The neutral group would be a group that without much knowledge of the concept. There were many questions raised by this group, such as, What is 1Malaysia? Is 1Malaysia a plan? How can it be it applied? Where and when does it apply? How do we embrace it? Is 1Malaysia a political policy? Why is 1Malaysia being applied and isn’t Malaysia and its citizens already perceived as one nation?

The 1Malaysia Concept is one that could be easily understood by any quarters but the level of thinking could be different. The concept has yet to be developed as well as need to be made known more specifically so that it would not be misinterpreted by certain quarters.

2.0 ONE MALAYSIA IN DEPTH

One Malaysia has been a concept introduced and emphasized by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak as a new thrust of his political administration.

This concept is however not novel according to Datuk Seri Najib, as it has well been the main revelation of the former leaders and has been interpreted over the past five decades. The same theory may have been interpreted throughout the decades with various methods of approaches; whether or not it is old news or has taken someone else’s idea, the concept has been the leaders’ original intention of vision to benefit the country’s economy situation, government directions and the nation’s welfare.

A slogan is signified in conjunction with the One Malaysia concept, “People First, Performance Now”. In layman’s terms, “The quality of nation’s welfare and the standard of government administration are equally significant”.

The main key elements toward this formula included Unity among different racial and cultural groups, Trust & Mutual Respect between multi-ethnic groups and the aspirational 8 values.

2.1 UNITY IN DIVERSITY

One of the key elements of 1Malaysia concept- Unity in Diversity, a motto celebrating different groups of people sharing and living in a single society despite the differences in appearance, mentality, languages and food. This is also one of the uniqueness of Malaysia- a modern country where tradition is preserved and the similarity applied to its people. Malaysia has 3 main groups of races- the Malays, the Chinese, the Indians and a minority of other races living together in one country despite their differences, all are the nationals of Malaysia and being called Malaysian, whilst not losing their ethnicity as well as able to strive to uphold each different culture. For instance, Malaysians are free to practice their religion without force or favor; parents have freedom of choice for sending their children to any schools, people can learn and speak any languages they wish. The 1Malaysia concept is created to enhance this uniqueness, to eliminate disparity between races, to promote national unity and preservation of our own culture.

2.1.1 TRUST & MUTUAL RESPECT

1Malaysia values and respect the ethnic identities of each community in the country, one of its highlights is Trust & Mutual Respect. People are different, Life is Complex and No one is perfect, each must understand that there is multiplicity but everyone is from one creator. A truly harmonious multiracial country would be one that all races can live together peacefully, respecting and trusting fellow citizens irrespective of ethnicity, faith, color, class or gender. Without mutual respect & trust unity will be impossible. If respect has taken place, trust can be built up slowly with large effort. Trust can be nurtured through communication, honesty and time; once trust is established friendship will be blossomed.  Relationships work best when the people work to make them work, with trust & mutual respect the foundation of friendships will be solidified.

2.2 EIGHT VALUES

To begin an era with transformation, Datuk Sri Najib also instilled 8 values to be one of the key ingredients for the reformation. These values are Integrity, Humility, Acceptance, Loyalty, A Culture of Excellence, Perseverance, Education and Meritocracy. Datuk Sri Najib encouraged the nations to nurture and cherish these Values by practice them in daily life and to inculcate from one generation to another

2.2.1 Integrity

To gain trust and confidence from people, be honest and firm in moral principles. Willing to accept criticism, admit mistakes and promise to correct and improve to make better. Listen to people and understand their needs and able to deliver promises. If people’s voices are heard and fulfilled, thus belief is achieved.

2.2.2 Humility

Humility means humble, modesty. A humble person is not arrogant and does not think they are superior even though they are in fact yes. Modesty does credit, people appreciated to be respected through this you are able to gain friendships and support. Humble however must not be mistaken to be impotence or lack of power. To certain circumstances, you will need to show off your power, potency and prudence in order to gain confidence of people.

2.2.3 Acceptance

Recognize and tolerance, learn to embrace and accept the differences as part of the group, despite of one’s sexes, races, social status and background. Malay, Chinese, Indian and other ethnic are one nation under 1Malaysia. Disparity between theses groups shall be eliminated and apply fairness to everyone. No one like to be treated unfair because of its differences, every individual is unique and deserve to be respected.

2.2.4 Loyalty

In order to gain support and loyal from the people, a leader must show his capabilities. He has to be the role model to his administration and to his people. Be open, efficient, justice and proficient. To ignite hopes, the government must be able perform. The nation would not have confidence toward a governing body that that is incapable to lead. A charismatic leader who can lead, assure promises, achieving goals would win the people’s heart.

2.2.5 Culture of Excellence

Manpower besides natural resources are any country’s most valuable asset, in order to attract and retain the brightest, the Government has to provide better benefits and a more conducive environment and infrastructure to retain local and attract foreign talents. Malaysia has a great climate, it is politically stable and free from natural disasters, coupled with the right manpower and infrastructure, Malaysia would be on par if not surpasses any competing countries on the international stage.

2.2.6 Perseverance

Life is never easy. Perseverance is about commitment, hard work, patience, endurance and being to bear difficulties without complaint. Victory belongs to the most persevering

2.2.7 Education

Education is a backbone of society. It is very important because it gives us knowledge, build opinions and have points of view on everything in life. Education cultivates us into mature individual that able to think and making the right decisions. It nurtured us into a well mannered individual thus making us civilized. The future of a nation is safe in the hands of educated individuals. Education is important for the economic growth of a nation. It fosters principles of equality and socialism.

2.2.8 Meritocracy

Appointment made and responsibilities are assignment based on demonstration of talent. Reward for achievement and contribution, act as a way to motivate and attract ones to work harder among competitiveness and be persistent.

Therefore, both unity in diversity and 8 values are essential ingredients and foundational towards the bonding and formation of 1Malaysia Concept. Without any of the stated elements, it will be difficult for this ambition to be taken shape. The ultimate objective of 1Malaysia is act to convey national unity because racial harmony would be the best defense in the county. A country with strong foundation would be able to move forward and prepare to meet the full challenges of globalization.








Arigatou gozaimasu!!