What’s the difference between convenience and conviction? Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak’s ‘1Malaysia’ is a convenience. A sparkling statement created by professionals, meant to dazzle and impress.  

It lacks any solid commitment on the part of the prime minister and his cabinet. The deputy prime minister, for example, obviously does not share the idea or plan of a ‘1Malaysia’.

On the one hand Dr Koh Tsu Koon announces the setting up of an interfaith committe, and on the other hand the deputy prime minister says the committee is just ‘small fry’. An obvious cynicism towards the idea.

 

Malaysia has had enough of empty platitudes and nice catchphrases with little commitment and conviction to see them through. How can a political party made up of three separate political parties divided according to race claim any idea of what a ‘1 Malaysia’ should be?

 

Pakatan Rakyat, on the other hand, are led by men who have shown their commitment with their lives and their  freedom. The combined years spent in prison by Anwar Ibrahim, Lim Kit Siang, Lim Guan Eng, Karpal Singh, Tian Chua and many others totals up to more than 50 years.  

They have sacrificed their freedom, their reputation and their honour. This is the kind of sacrifice for a conviction that one is willing to give his or her life for.

So when Pakatan Rakyat speaks of a Malaysia for all Malaysians they know what they are talking about. As the proverbial phrase says: ‘They have put their money where their mouth is’.

 

The prime minister, on the other hand, has never had a day of hard work. Born to the second prime minister of Malaysia, he is an aristocrat in Malaysian society. His brother owns a bank, his cousin is a minister in his cabinet.  

They grew up with a silver spoon so to speak.  I do not believe for a second that Najib Abdul Razak will ever go to jail for what he truly believes in.  He may go into jail for a conviction but definitely not for what he believes in.  

As such, th ‘1Malaysia’ concept is nothing but a catchy phrase, dazzling alphabets on a neon billboard; empty and devoid of any substance. It is certainly not going to carry Malaysia along in the 21st century.