Prime Minster Najib Abdul Razak today expressed disappointment that his ‘1Malaysia’ concept is often misunderstood.

 

Speaking when opening the ‘1Malaysia Economic Conference’ in Kuala Lumpur this evening, Najib said, "I am greatly saddened that such an idea, which is not terribly complicated, is so often not understood."

NONE He reiterated that despite the misunderstandings, all Malaysians have and will continue to have a stake in this country under his ‘1Malaysia’ concept.

"No one must be marginalised," he added. Najib stressed that the concept behind ‘1Malaysia’ was to promote cooperation and build relationships which he said is, ‘...the cement that holds the nation together’.

Earlier in the morning, Najib told reporters at the Prime Minister Department's monthly gathering in Putrajaya that ‘1Malaysia’ was not just a slogan or rhetoric but represented a total vision from the aspect of policy, unity and changes which his administration aspires to.

 

It is, he said, an effort to propel national integration which can bring about stability and help the country march forward as one big family towards the desired goals.

‘Ideas’ founder hits out at 1Malaysia

 

Najib admitted that "there are groups and individuals who are out to undermine unity and the harmony of the country. Though their burning desire may be small, it can bring about serious damage to us if not doused early.

 

"If churches and surau are set on fire, heads of pigs thrown in mosques, it is a serious issue that must be addressed together.

 

azlan "The ‘1Malaysia’ concept is important and we must instill togetherness among us. Although we may be from various ethnic, religion and culture but we are ‘1Malaysia’," he said.

While Najib’s statement was not directed at any specific individual, while delivering his keynote speech at the launch of Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (Ideas) in Kuala Lumpur this morning, founder Tunku Zain Al-’Abidin Muhriz hit out at the ‘1Malaysia’ concept.

While lamenting the profusion of empty slogans in Malaysian history, Tunku Zain said, "Despite these slogans, the standing of our institutions has withered. Our first prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman could never have imagined such cynicism and distrust".