“One Malaysia” concept for UNITY

The “One Malaysia” concept expounded by Datuk Seri Najib Razak should set the pace for the rejuvenation of the unity building process for the next decade involving every Malaysian irrespective of race, colour or creed.

“One Malaysia” should have as its key elements mutual understanding, respect and trust for one another in a multiracial country like us.

We must begin by understanding each other and this will lead to respect and trust which are vital ingredients for building unity.

The virtue of unity is that it respects and allows individuals to express their own uniqueness and specialty and yet being together in harmony. We can quote the example of a bunch of flowers or grapes, collectively enhancing each other’s beauty. They may look similar but they are not the same.

Self expression allows a person to utilize his or her potentials for the benefit of the community and enable it to develop fully like a blooming flower spreading fragrance all around. Diversity within any community actually adds beauty and colour to the whole picture and it should be respected and appreciated.

I believe it is the true essence of life which would bring about unity and diversity. Unity is an important ingredient that creates feelings of ownership and togetherness.

One of the major challenges facing the Najib administration, other than dealing with the economic crisis, will be to strive for the attainment of a truly united Malaysia Nation and a ‘Bangsa Malaysia’.

Unity is a priceless gift that must be preserved by all Malaysians in a multi-racial country like Malaysia. Every peace-loving Malaysian should be fully committed to promoting a culture of peace, harmony and unity.

The work of fostering unity should begin in the schools, beginning from the kindergartens to primary, secondary schools and tertiary institutions of learning where efforts can be made to instill the values of harmony and unity.

Fostering unity should also begin in the neighbourhoods for that is where the diversity of people and their values are situated.


Even if economics and information technology are the driving force of this era and in the future, we must not lose sight of racial harmony and unity.

Economic development would not be meaningful without understanding, harmony, goodwill and trust among the people.

Programmes of action should continue to inculcate nurture and strengthen the spirit of love and patriotism for the country.

Inter-racial harmony and unity are of paramount importance in a multi-ethnic society like ours. Malaysia was forged out of diversity and through the spirit of give and take, compromise and consensus.

The Federal Constitution, which guarantees the rights of the various ethnic groups, and as well the Rukunegara are the guide for nation building and have been accepted by all Malaysians since we attained independence.

It is very important that the disparities and inequalities among races must be eliminated in order to bring about enduring harmony and unity in the country.