1Malaysia was introduced by our current Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Abdul Razak. It mainly stresses ethnic tolerance and national unity (according to the aims when it was first launched) on 16th of Sept 2008 (Malaysia Day), about 2 years plus from today.
Many speculations about this program being a scheme to attract more votes for UMNO was speculated around. But, if one really follows this 1Malaysia concept, I believe the aims targeted could be reached, making Malaysia, a better place to live in. Every Malaysian has a role to play in order for this concept to work, ranging from young to old, even little children!... which might look insignificant in the eyes of many. Firstly, let me take the role of an individual in making this a success. As a parent, one can ensure that their children attend National Service if they are selected. I am a product of National Service, and I know how it's like there. National Service is a program that promotes unity and builds one's character, not to mention also building one up physically. By making sure their kids attend, their child wil be exposed to different cultures and make new friends of different background and religion. From my experience, I have made new friends from different places and background, ranging from Perak to Perlis, and also Kedah. I believe that such an experience can only be obtained from NS. That's why, if you got selected for National Service, you're LUCKY! =D
Back to the topic... The government should also ensure that schools are made up of equal number of students from each race. I believe, in this way, students from different races would unite together as one. Currently, the only effort in promoting such unity is through a method called "Sekolah Wawasan". I believe not many people know about Sekolah Wawasan, right? I must admit that I didn't know such a school existed until my primary school (Pumpong) was moved into such a school. And by the way, Sekolah Wawasan is a school where three different school exist in one same environment. This means the students will only meet each other from different schools during recess or after school only. And, as we all know, who wants to make the first move in making new friends when they are not studying in the same class or school? This doesn't bring the same effect as studying together with different races in just one school.
The Ministry of Education can also have a hand in this by ensuring that there is a compulsory subject that students must take about the different cultures and practices carried out throughout Malaysia. This would cultivate understanding. When one understands other cultures better, misunderstandings between races would be reduced. At the same time, one would also prevent oneself from offending one another. For example, by serving a Muslim pork, or a Hindu beef, that is provoking them right?
The 1Malaysia concept is a good idea, but should be carried out for the right reasons. Afterall, unity is the foundation of a country, like the old saying that goes, united we stand, divided we fall.
