Question 1

Essay

Title: 1 Malaysia

Creating oneness or unity within a multi-religious and multi-cultural nation is

challenging. Some countries with plural societies have adopted the concept of full

assimilation to forge or even force a single national identity. Malaysia, on the other hand, has

chosen a different route – that of unity in diversity and inclusiveness, while ensuring fairness

to all. Anchored in our Constitution, this concept means that we embrace a diversity of

ethnicity, religions and beliefs and, by being inclusive, build mutual respect and acceptance

into a solid foundation of trust and cohesiveness. This has historically been the path that we

have taken as a nation and is now encapsulated by the principle of 1Malaysia. Based on my

research, here, I will discuss the previous Malaysia, present 1Malaysia and 1Malaysia in the

future.

Before 1Malaysia was declared, Dr. James Masing, PRS president, said that most of

Malaysian just lived normally by their own belief and spirit of racist. Prior to the 1970s,

Malays were deemed rural in lifestyle as well as livelihood. The Chinese were seen as the

tycoons, pillaging away the rich bounty of the land. The Indians were restricted to thrive

between the shades of rubber trees. Needless to say, this segregations and economic disparity

was a recipe for doom. In 1969, the infamous bloody riot of May 13 occurred. The tragic

event of May 13 had made the government of the day realised that the matter of racial

harmony ought to be the numero Uno of all priorities. And rightfully so, certain measures

were drawn up as to find the equilibrium which works for everyone. Though not all of
Malaysian had such negative perspective like this, but our Prime Minister had thought of

emphasizing all Malaysian to be alert on respecting others races.

This was the ultimate display of intolerance and was sadly and eternally recorded in the

annals of our history.

One Malaysia is being implemented by various wide ranges of activities. The Prime

Minister has instructed the National Civics Bureau or Biro Tata Negara (BTN) to use its

courses and seminars to educate present and future civil servants, politicians, and community

leaders about 1Malaysia and promote national unity. “We will ensure that the BTN courses

also inculcate the 1Malaysia concept and its eight values, namely high performance culture,

accuracy, knowledge, innovation, integrity, strong will, loyalty and wisdom.” Deputy Prime

Minister Ahmad stated. The use of multi-lingual hosts and actors from different ethnicities is

one of the methods uses to promote national unity. During promotion of One Malaysia,

Najib Tun Razak also had put effort on funding for 50 medical clinics to provide basic

medical services for illnesses and injuries such as fever, cough, colds, wounds and cuts,

diabetes, and hypertension. Under One Malaysia, there are several programmes and

projects have been implemented amongst Malaysians, reflecting the Government’s long-term

commitment in the past few decades. For example, the National Service Training Programme

or PLKN was introduced and has involved over 400,000 youths of all ethnic, socio-economic

and regional backgrounds in a three-month camping and social-work environment with

generally positive outcomes. This how the 1 Malaysia is being implanted in the present days

and more ways is being generated to ensure the development is ongoing.

In the future, the new era of 1Malaysia will see the realisation of a thriving and

modern economy that is highly competitive and productive and able to achieve high incomes
for all, instead of being caught in the middle-income trap; insufficient middle class salary.

Thus, this will lead Malaysia to be attractive to talent and investors, both international and

domestic, reversing the present brain drain and capital flight trend. Not just that by

implementing the One Malaysia, in the future the government of Malaysia is hoped to be a

competent and committed government that is highly effective and efficient in delivering

results and benefits to the people and the nation. It means here that the government itself will

be responsive to and responsible for the needs of all individuals and all groups, irrespective of

colour and creed. It will be the representative of all races, religions and regions in its civil

service composition, and inclusive in its approach, projecting the face of a truly 1Malaysia

government promoting understanding and unity amongst the people. As said by Prime

Minister Najib Tun Razak “We have to innovate. No nation can be successful unless they are

involved in innovative and creative activities”.

As for the conclusion, the mission for Malaysia and Malaysians is an ongoing and

perhaps never-ending mission requiring significant commitment. We as the citizens of

Malaysia need to unite and become one in order to achieve One Malaysia, thus leading our

beloved motherland towards this: peaceful, harmony, unity and integration among all

different kind of races and ethnics in Malaysia. Is One Malaysia has provided a renewed

sense of direction and purpose, a new breath of inspiration and a heightened aspiration? By

previewing the era of the past, present and our future dreams, we actually are moving forward

to the successful of our nation.

(819 words)