We must all take into account the strengths and challenges in forging national unity in Malaysia. One has to take into consideration the changing political landscape in the country, in regard to the new aspirations of the electorate.

This approach is vital as Malaysia is in an evolving state that has to look at itself critically as we face the challenge of globalisation that demands a competitive national character. The salient aspect of the constitution is based on moderation, compassion and compromise between the Malays and the non-Malays. It signifies an evolving nature of a Malaysian state that has to basically start from where it is and evolve over time.

The political arrangement among the Alliance at that time, and the Barisan Nasional later, reflected the constitutional principle of distinction among ethnic groups yet accommodating each other. While the positive aspect of political accommodation and gradual evolvement of relations between ethnic groups has proven itself as a source of stability, the negative aspect of categorising the Malay and non-Malays, Muslims and non-Muslims and crafting every issue from the perspective of ethnicity has created a dichotomy in relations between Malays and non- Malays over the years.

Furthermore, the ethnically inclined authoritarian rule during the Mahathir years regarded every appeal for accountability and those who take a non-ethnic approach to issues as traitors to the race and the race card was always used to create fear among the population by bringing on the ghost of May 13 whenever there was a perceived threat to the ruling party.

This could be felt even today which contradicts Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's vision of a  ‘1Malaysia’ concept which in substance has the right ingredient to re-frame issues away from an ethnically-dominated national discourse to a Malaysian-bases discourse but tainted by contradictions of ethnic bigotry from those who suppose to support it and an administrative policy that frustrates good federal-state relations.

For an example, ‘1Malaysia’ is opposed by ethnic nationalists who are not comfortable with the concept and prefer to remain in the old paradigm of ethnic distinction as dogmatically stated in the constitution and another category of Malaysians who view ‘1Malaysia’ as meaningless because it is not broad enough to accommodate new political realities related to state and federal relations in dealing with the opposition-administrated governments and the behavior of the institutions of justice related to equality before the law which are perceived to be weak in implementation.

‘1Malaysia’ would have a better chance of success if new political realities that define relations among Malaysians are taken into consideration while engaging and educating the ethnic sceptics and exposing the dangers of extremism.

Therefore, the it is vital to comprehend the entire aspect of the Malaysian political and constitutional discourse and come up with solutions that are progressive taking into consideration the importance of understanding the history of the nation and gradually creating parts that would enhance ethnic integration.

The constitution of Malaysia has to be reinterpreted towards a unified Malaysian character by catering to new political and global realities that would eliminate the distinction of Malaysians by ethnicity and create a Malaysian race that is concerned for merit, justice and fair play.

Such a character would permeate the entire political, legislative, social process and would create political coalitions of ideas and innovation as opposed to the current political paradigm of a coalition of ethnic-centred politics.