PM Najib stressed again his concept of 1Malaysia today. To him, “1 Malaysia is not rigid;not cast in stone but a national discussion. We will incorporate other views and opinions,” he said, adding: “It is a strategic ambiguity.”
My analysis:
Like a changing organism, this concept appears to be a work-in-progress-a thing that evolves to add positive elements from time to time. Formless like an amoeba,the concept will constantly be shaped by the exigencies of circumstances. It is at best, soft ideals with built-in escape clauses.
As such, 1Malaysia is an easy and loose concept-meant to be malleable and be shaped to suit all political expediencies. The crux of it all-it must be founded not only on genuine core principles but these principles must be fleshed out transparently in programmes, projects and social action that is fair to all.
If the government is sincere, 1Malaysia will indeed be the ethos of the Malaysian psyche.Meant to over-ride all considerations of race and creed, this concept if successfully implemented will surely be accepted by all and sundry. The question remains, has the government a will of steel to pull it through?
Najib's take on this concept utilises colourful language.
"Under the concept of 1Malaysia, all Malaysians regardless of race, religion and background should be able to call Malaysia their home. 1 Malaysia represents one dream, one people, one Malaysia. Every Malaysian must be given the rightful place under the Malaysian sun."
And so he added that 1 Malaysia would now see the introduction of policies that provide for both social justice and equality.
For example; the government will provide aid and scholarship according to the social economic background of all races, he said.
“We will introduce policies which are equal for all and eradicate poverty regardless of race. If they ask for help, and they want to be helped, the government will be [there to do its bit]."
Najib also brought to the fore, the issue of tolerance. He advised Malaysians to desist from an attitude of tolerance and to begin accepting each other as fellow Malaysians because only through acceptance can the nation prosper and become developed.
“We must begin to accept and not only tolerate because tolerance is a concept of not wholeheartedly accepting or grudgingly accepting. Acceptance is a better concept and we must begin to accept that we are a plural and multi-racial country,” he said.
Najib added Malaysians must take advantage of the country’s multiracial society in fostering relationships with economic powers in the region and making Malaysia the gateway to Asia.
He said that the country can have an economic advantage with China and India with the Chinese and Indian communities in Malaysia and also encourage investments from the Middle East because Malaysia is a Muslim nation.
My concern:
Can merit be used in all matters of national consideration? As long as the affirmative policy is locked in place,can we really trust 1Malaysia to bear national fruits?
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