The government has spent RM38 million to promote Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak’s 1Malaysia concept in 2010, said Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department T Murugiah.

He said the costs covered a total of 191,709 programmes organised to promote the concept, involving 6.2 million people.

Murugiah said the people’s growing acceptance of the concept is proof that the government has been successful so far in promoting unity as a catalyst for progress.

NONE “It is very well received (by the people) and they understand that when united, more focus can be given to development,” he said when answering a supplementary question from Muhamad Aziz (BN-Sri Gading) during question time.

Responding to an earlier supplementary question from Salahuddin Ayub (PAS-Kubang Kerian), Murugiah ( right ) acknowledged that the government “sometimes fails” in its unity programmes but stressed that the 1Malaysia concept has only brought positives in promoting unity.

Murugiah brushed aside Salahuddin’s claim that the concept is not enough to address outstanding issues such as the controversial use of the novel Interlok as a secondary school reference and the role of the National Civics Bureau (BTN), saying the government upholds a system of mediation to solve whatever problems that arise.

“That is why on the first day (Najib became) PM, he introduced 1Malaysia. He wants to see all united, if not our country will be destroyed... even the opposition needs to be united,” he said.

Murugiah said despite the relative peace enjoyed in Malaysia, it has endured “certain” internal conflicts of late - especially “after the 2008 general elections” - making references to attacks on places of worship over the Allah issue and “politicians who spark demonstrations”.

“Developments in ICT have made such news and stories widely spread. To foster understanding and closer ties, (the government) has firmly and clearly pushed forward the 1Malaysia concept,” he said.