"ONE MALAYSIA" (1MALAYSIA),

By Datuk Dr Denison Jayasooria

THE 1MALAYSIA CONCEPT

This is a refreshing concept ‘1Malaysia’ a new slogan which is timely especially at a defining moment in Malaysia’s history during which time we are faced with economic and political crisis. The slogan is better than the ‘bangsa Malaysia’ concept which seems to indicate ‘an assimilation orientation’ and has not really caught on in the hearts and minds of Malaysians beyond the cliché dimension.

However 1Malaysia gives a clearer picture of ‘unity in diversity’ which takes a pluralistic and integrationist approach. Therefore if the concept and idea is unpacked in practical dimensions we might be able to really see some major changes in the future.

The 1Malaysia concept must address both issues and concerns at the individual/personal level but at the same time address the institutional and structural issues which continue to divide us in Malaysian society.

ACHIEVING THE 1MALAYSIA

The major complaint among various community and citizen groups is one of striving for equal opportunities in socio-economic terms. Therefore the major instrument that provides social services namely the public sector must truly reflect the 1Malaysia.
Therefore a major transformation exercise of the public sector is essential. It must be multi racial in staffing at the federal, state, district and local government levels. There must be a review of the recruitment process and promotion prospects with the civil service which must be merit oriented. It must provide equal opportunities for all Malaysians and all Malaysians must feel that this Government is for all and not selected groups only.

The private sector too must reflect the 1Malaysia and therefore industry captains and business associations must work together in the realization of this vision. The thrust here is how to enable the Malay young people to be attracted to private sector employment and for the private sector to create a work environment that is conducive for greater Malay participation.

The Prime Minister could initiate a social dialogue process to gather feedback on the theme of political parties using race and religion as their ideology. How do we move away from a race centric politics towards a 1Malaysia centric politics where no matter what our ethnic or religious background is, we will speak up for the needs, struggles, issues and concerns of all Malaysians.

This political transformation cannot be realised overnight but UMNO must explore again the vision of Dato Onn Jaffar. UMNO must take the lead and after 52 years of independence we are now matured to once again reflect on this vision.
Tun Abdul Razak created an inclusive approach to party politics after May 13, 1969 with the founding of the Barisan National which created a larger structure to include other sections that felt alienated from the original Alliance Party (UMNO, MCA & MIC). The historical time has now come in 2009 for the new Prime Minister to lead a new movement of change where all Malaysians will feel they are part of this nation as 1Malaysians.

OVERCOMING BARRIERS

The greatest threat and barrier is the politicization of race and religion in Malaysia. Politicians tend to heighten racial and religious issues especially during the buildup of their party elections and general elections.

Therefore for the 1Malaysia concept to materialize in concrete terms, the Prime Minister must first institute ‘a code of ethics’ for political speeches and expressions. This code of ethics must be based on the fundamental principles of the Federal Constitution and the Rukun Negara.

The Prime Minister as the Chairman of the Barisan National should ensure that all politicians and political parties with the BN subscribe to this standard. Stern action must be taken by the party against those who violate these basic principles.
The Prime Minister should try and get other political parties to voluntarily subscribe to these principles and standard and each of these parties should institute mechanisms to ensure their members abide by this mutually agreed code.

ENVISIONING A 1MALAYSIA

A 1Malaysia where political and community leaders will speak up of all communities, where we will see the poor, the low income family, a forest based community, a single mother, a fisherman as a human beings and not first by the person’s racial or religious background.

A 1Malaysia where our children and grandchildren will be confident that tomorrow is bright because one can depend on your neighbor or friend without fear or insecurity, that we all have a one destiny as Malaysians.

A 1Malaysia where all Malaysians can share the prosperity and goodness of the land and where there are equal opportunities for all and when outcomes are unequal some clear mechanisms to empower them are essential for justice sake.

A 1Malaysia where politicians do not have to use race or religion to win votes or support but that moral integrity, character, dedication, intellectual vigor and competency be the benchmark that voters and citizens use to choose their representatives.

A 1Malaysia where each person will have a deep sense of respect, appreciation, understanding, patience, humility and tolerance towards another person who is different from them. This inner strengthen can be drawn from all spiritual & religious traditions.

CONSULTATIVE COUNCIL

The Prime Minister could establish a formal mechanism like a Consultative Council of Community Leaders including academics who can meet and discussion this concept and advise him of a plan of action in order for the 1Malaysia to be realized practically.