My Notions For ‘1 Malaysia Transforming The Nation’

If the Earth is soil,

then our country is the root.

If our homes are flowers,

then we are the bees.

            Country and people are actually linked together. If there is an absence of any of them, things can no longer be done.

The ‘1 Malaysia’ concept was propounded by our Prime Minister, YAB Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak last year. However, many could vaguely understand the rationale behind the ‘1 Malaysia’ concept. The pertinent questions people might ask could be what is the aim? What can we achieve with this concept? Does it work? How can it be done? Obviously, there were loads of question marks in people’s minds. A year over, the amount of ‘1 Malaysia’ information latched to the minds of the Malaysian after being bombarded by the Barisan National overfed controlled media is still difficult to be determined. Nevertheless, the National Day Theme this year is substantially related to ‘1 Malaysia’ concept, that is ‘1 Malaysia Transforming The Nation’. This time, I am enthralled by the question “What can ‘1 Malaysia’ concept transform the nation?”

To me, ‘1 Malaysia’ concept should be able to transform the nation to become more patriotic. Generally, everyone knows that to acquire an excellent reputation internationally for a country, one must first love the country. There are two types of patriotism: the patriotism of a man who loves his country and thus unflinchingly supports whatever his government does; and the patriotism of a man who loves his country , but also sees its failings, and wants to make it a better place. Well, I would prefer the latter. Here is a quote which I would like to evoke one’s mind. “ You are not supposed to be so blind with patriotism that you can’t face reality. Wrong is wrong, no matter who says it.” Whenever there is a mistake conducted by the government, we should outspeak.

Sometimes I was asked by people, “Do you love your country?” I did not really answer that question. The reason could be revealed by just quoting an example. If someone asks you whether you love your parents or not, what would be your answer? Of course, yes! However, it is indubitable that there may be some exceptions. For example, your parents have treated you as if you are not human being. In such situation, for sure, you will not love them. Most of us would think that flying the Jalur Gemilang, singing our national anthem, paying allegiance to our flag are ways to show how much you love the country. But, I opine that these only bring about some semblance of patriotism. These are all talk and no trousers. Undeniably, this sounds unfathomable. Perhaps I try to explain in this way ---flying the Jalur Gemilang, knowing the national anthem as well as paying allegiance to our flag are our responsibilities. In fact, we should do all these since we were just small kids! As we know, Datuk Lee Chong Wei had won international accolades which made all of us proud. Thus, with ‘1 Malaysia’ concept, it can actually inculcate a strong feeling of patriotism in every one of us and together we create an excellent, glorious and indomitable Malaysia.

Primarily, ‘1 Malaysia’ concept is not the panacea for every problem. Indeed, it really can help. I hope ‘1 Malaysia’ concept can transform people’s selfishness to Mother Teresa selflessness as well as transforming disunity among the races to unity. Authentically, 1 Malaysia values and respects the ethnic identities of each community in Malaysia and proudly regards them as an asset or advantage. 1 Malaysia highlights the value of “Acceptance” amongst its multi-racial people, where one race embraces the uniqueness of other races so that we may live with mutual respect and integrity as well for each other as a nation. It is on the threshold of a success in reuniting the races in our country. Gratitude would be the best virtue that we, the Malaysians should have in order to bring peace for today, and create a vision for tomorrow. As a result, we can even prosper together as one sovereign, modern and developed race.

With the ‘1Malaysia’ concept, I wish that our youth could be transformed into the most invincible, unconquerable and impregnable human resources so as to scale a new height of achievement for our country. This is not a mere fable if the minds of every teenager are being instilled the feeling of patriotism. Although not all of us endorse the ‘1 Malaysia’ concept, a successful outcome is within the realms of possibility if ‘1 Malaysia’ concept is practiced by the entire community. National unity, ethnic tolerance and government efficiency can bring to fruition if we have faith in ourselves as well as in ‘1 Malaysia’ concept.

You can make miracles.

Long live ‘1 Malaysia’.