1Malaysia - a dream or reality

1MALAYSIA: A ray of hope for better unity?

CHRIS ANTHONY, Butterworth
NST,2009/09/02

IN his Merdeka Day message, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak urged Malaysians to tear down the divisive walls that exist among them ("Tear down walls of disunity" -- NST, Aug 31). He rightly acknowledged that the progress achieved by Malaysia has been due to the contributions and support of people of all races, religions and all strata of society.

At a time when there is so much ethnic tension, his speech is a timely reminder that all races must put aside their differences and unite to sustain the successes achieved by the sweat and toil of our founding fathers. We should not allow opportunists to destroy whatever we have built so far.

After 52 years of independence, can we say that we are truly better off as a nation than we were at the time of independence? Are we nearer the creation of the 1Malaysia that we are proudly proclaiming to the world? In physical development, economy and technology, there is no doubt we have advanced tremendously, but when it comes to human development and racial unity, we must admit that we have still a long way to go.

Fifty-two years may have passed but the nation is still deeply divided by race and religion. There is still no end in sight to racial strife. In fact, deteriorating race relations has become the greatest worry and its repercussions are threatening the peace, progress and prosperity of the country.

After 52 years, we should be nearer to the ideal state of a united Malaysia where everyone, regardless of race and religion, has an equal stake in the fortunes and misfortunes of our nation. We should have been nearer a state where all citizens must have equal opportunities in education, scholarships and job opportunities in both the public and private sectors. We should have been nearer a state where we must have mutual respect and accept with magnanimity the traditions and cultures of those different from ours. Unfortunately, we are nowhere near this haven; instead we seem to be on divergent paths.

If we are sincere in wanting lasting peace and uplifting our nation to the ranks of other developed democracies, we must sort out the racial and religious problems that are dividing the people. Procrastination will only lead us to greater complications from which we may never recover. Genuine commitment on the part of all Malaysians, regardless of race and creed, especially political leaders, is vital to repair the weakening inter-ethnic bridges built by our forefathers.

It is still not too late for Malaysians to change their race-based mindset. As citizens, we must decide our destiny and not allow a few with vested interests to lead us astray. We must believe and propagate that what brings us together as Malaysians must be stronger than what pulls us apart.

After many years of despair, we finally see a ray of hope in the new concept called "1Malaysia". It offers a great promise to unite all the races under the one banner -- Malaysia . Whether it remains just political rhetoric and a dream remains to be seen in the coming months.

On our part, let's resolve to put aside our differences and strive for the dawn of a new Malaysia, where all races can work together, hand in hand, without fear or suspicion, to realise our common dream for a truly 1Malaysia.