What 1Malaysia Means to Me?

Malaysia will be celebrating her Independence Day on 31st August, 52 years after Tunku Abdul Rahman, Bapa Kemerdekaan (Father of Independence) shouted, Merdeka! Merdeka! Merdeka!

Now, with Dato' Najib as our PM, he is all out promoting 1Malaysia concept. His inspiration for 1Malaysia as following:

1Malaysia is intended to provide a free and open forum to discuss the things that matter deeply to us as a Nation. It provides a chance to express and explore the many perspectives of our fellow citizens. What makes Malaysia unique is the diversity of our peoples. 1Malaysia’s goal is to preserve and enhance this unity in diversity which has always been our strength and remains our best hope for the future. I hope this Website will initiate an open and vital dialogue exploring our Malaysian identity, purpose, and direction. I encourage each of you to join me in defining our Malaysia and the role we must play in its future. Each of us — despite our differences — shares a desire for a better tomorrow. Each of us wants opportunity, respect, friendship, and understanding.

I believe his last sentence is common Malaysian hope. 1Malaysia means viewing each other beyond race, skin colours and background.

1Malaysia means we don't have to be pick and judge base on race. Malays are not lazy. Chineses are not rich. Indians are not alcoholic. Most successful and wealthy people in Malaysia are Malaysians. They work very, very hard to get where they are now. Robert Kuok, Ananda Krishnan, Syed Mokhtar Al Bukhary and the likes don't have a silver spoon lives. They earn their wealth through hard work.

1Malaysia means we have equal opportunity without having to set quota for races. I wish it will come true one day. There should be equal opportunity for all. We are malaysian. We love Malaysia. Race base school won't be good for 1Malaysia. Our children should have best friends from different background, colour and languages. Malaysian food represents 1Malaysia. Everyone loves nasi lemak, char kiew tau, nasi briyani, chicken rice, tosai and roti canai. The Ramadhan bazzaar display a good example of 1Malaysia. Everyone knows that Bazaar Melawati has the best Ramadhan bazaar. Everyone waiting for this once a year event where we can eat and indulge ourselves in good food. Friends coming together to break fast and enjoy food with laughters.

1Malaysia means we are Malaysian.