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UNISCI Discussion Papers, Nº 33 (Octubre / October 2013) ISSN 1696-2206I. MALAYSIA1. The ContextUpon ascending to Malaysia’s highest public office in April 2009, the Prime Minister ofMalaysia, Dato’ Sri Najib Tun Razak introduced a vision that he hoped would bring aboutinter-ethnic harmony and national unity to his country, once and for all. 3 It is not the only, butdefinitely the latest, expression of resolve by the Malaysian government to foster peacefulethnic relations between the communities living in the country since it gained independencefrom British colonial rule. It also serves as an unwitting acknowledgement of the necessity forinter-ethnic amity that has thus far eluded the country. 4The "1 Malaysia concept", 5 as it is called, espouses a culture of excellence,perseverance, acceptance, education, integrity, meritocracy, humility and loyalty. 6 It alsoencompasses National Key Results Areas (NKRIs) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) onsix major issues. 7Since independence, national unity has been made top priority involving unity ineducation, culture, socio-economy, political and regional affairs. "1 Malaysia" seeks toimprove the relations of all Malaysians, regardless of racial, religious or culturalbackgrounds. 8Despite the commitment to foster ethnic harmony between communities sinceIndependence, there remain certain major concerns that need to be addressed in order toseriously engage the "1 Malaysia concept". Without addressing the major concerns, all effortstowards national unity will be in vain. 9The "1 Malaysia concept" essentially unveiled the guiding principle to build a unitedand progressive nation, and to inculcate the spirit and values of togetherness and sense ofbelonging, regardless of race, religion and creed. 10 A caveat however is that "1 Malaysia"does not seek to abrogate affirmative action and privileges granted to the Malay andBhumiputra communities; rather it looks to improve implementation of such policies in a fairmanner and to keep intact the spirit of 1955-1957 which has been agreed upon during thedrafting of the Malaysian Federal Constitution on the eve of Independence. Being a concept3 Wong, Steven C.M.: “Avoid the paths of mutual recrimination, Higher Ground: It is essential to depersonalizepolitics”, New Straits Times, 22 May 2012.4 Kessler, C.S. (2008): ‘Islam, the State and Desecularization: The Islamist Trajectory During the BadawiYears’, in Noraini, Othman; Puthucheary, M.C. and C.S. Kessler (2008): Sharing the Nation: Faith, Difference,Power and the State 50 years after Merdeka. Petaling Jaya, Strategic Information and Research DevelopmentCentre.5 Mohamed Salleh, Hasnul: "1Malaysia – Concept and Values", athttp://www.kettha.gov.my/sites/default/files/uploads/1Malaysia%20-%20Concept%20and%20Values.pdf.6 Ibid.7 Rosli, Firdaos and Ning, Hwa En: "Working Group Meeting on “Sharing the Experiences of Inclusive Growth– Malaysia’s perspective”, Co-Chaired by NEAT Singapore and NEAT Indonesia, Network of East Asian Think-Tanks (NEAT), 28 June 2012.8 Muzaffar, Chandra: "1 Malaysia: The twin challenges", 1 Malaysia Foundation.9 Reid, Anthony: Understanding Melayu (Malay) as a Source of Diverse Modern Identities, Journal of SoutheastAsian Studies, vol. 32, no. 3, (October 2001), pp 295-313.10 Aziz, T.A. (2009): "1Malaysia: A Blurred Vision", Transparency for a Democratic Malaysia. 2 May 2009, athttp://tunku-aziz.org/2009/05/02/1-malaysia-a-blurred-vision/.190
UNISCI Discussion Papers, Nº 33 (Octubre / October 2013) ISSN 1696-2206of national governance, "1 Malaysia" becomes relevant not only to the ruling elite but also tothe people of the country. 112. The BackgroundPrior to the 1970s, Malays were deemed rural in lifestyle as well as livelihood. The Chinesewere seen as the tycoons, pillaging away the rich bounty of the land. The Indians wererestricted to thrive between the shades of rubber trees. 12Needless to say, the aforementioned segregations and economic disparity was a recipefor doom. In 1969, the infamous bloody riot of May 13 occurred. This was the ultimatedisplay of intolerance and was sadly and eternally recorded in the annals of the country’shistory. The tragic event of May 13 had made the government of the day realize that thematter of racial harmony ought to be the foremost of all priorities. 13Accordingly, respective measures were drawn up so as to find an equilibrium whichwould work for all communities. For instance, the New Economic Policy (NEP) wasintroduced as a means to tackle the great economic disparity between races in Malaysia and toeradicate poverty regardless of race. 14 Money, and general wealth by extension, was indeed asore point. Affirmative action, which is what NEP is all about, was seen as a mechanism tocounter such problems. It however, came under fire with growing discontent among certaingroups who felt that the fruits of development were being enjoyed by selected groups only.The redistribution of wealth was deemed as a “Robin Hood-like manoeuvre” which wouldhamper the nation’s growth. Unfazed by critics, the NEP continued and managed to bringMalaysia out of the hostile era of the late 1960s into the more peaceful period of the 1980s. 15Flash forward, and now, many years later, the issue of achieving racial harmony is stilltop priority. 16 This is where "1 Malaysia" fits into the current discourse on nationalgovernance. According to the Prime Minister’s personal website, "1 Malaysia" is described asintending to “…provide a free and open forum to discuss the things that matter deeply to us asa Nation. It provides a chance to express and explore the many perspectives of our fellowcitizens. What makes Malaysia unique is the diversity of our peoples. "1 Malaysia"’s goal isto preserve and enhance this unity in diversity which has always been our strength andremains our best hope for the future. I hope this Website will initiate an open and vitaldialogue exploring our Malaysian identity, purpose, and direction. I encourage each of you tojoin me in defining our Malaysia and the role we must play in its future. Each of us — despiteour differences — shares a desire for a better tomorrow. Each of us wants opportunity,respect, friendship, and understanding.”11 Hasnul, op. cit.12 Barr, M.D. (2002): Cultural Politics and Asian Values: The Tepid War, London, Routledge.13 Berita Nasional (BERNAMA) (2007): "Abdullah chides Opposition for spinning out issues", 27 August 2007,at http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v3/news.php?id=281491.14Bin Mohamad, Mahathir: "Malaysian: The Way Forward (Vision2020)", at http://www.epu.jpm.my/02/28/1991; Victor, Wee: VISION 2020 AND ENHANCING COMPETITIVENESS, PRIME LEADERSHIPAND MANAGEMENT COURSE (JUSA) SERIES 28 NO. 2/2003 INTAN, BUKIT KIARA ON 11 JULY 200315Berita Nasional (BERNAMA): "Be Truthful to the People, PM tells Leaders", 7 May 2009, athttp://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v5/newsindex.php?id=409363.16Berita Nasional (BERNAMA): "Public feedback will determine ministers’ KPI", 30 April 2009, athttp://www.bernama.com/bernama//v3/news_lite.php?id=408105.191
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Juan Emilio CheyreDirector, Center
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