Information Communication and Culture Minister Rais Yatim said today those who attempt to link 1Malaysia to other issues, including to One Israel, are just plain jealous of the success of the concept.

He said the claim by opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim that 1Malaysia was copied from "One Israel" showed a lack of far-sightedness about his own country.

rais yatim pc 020709 01 "It's a political gimmick to link (1Malaysia) to other issues. PKR, PAS and DAP are losing it. I challenge them to state their hearts are not with Malaysia... that their hearts are in shambles," he said.

He was speaking to reporters after attending a special gathering in conjunction with Radio Television Malaysia's (RTM) 64th anniversary at Angkasapuri, here today.

Rais was asked to comment on the issue which continued to be the subject of debate in the Dewan Rakyat after Anwar called the government on Tuesday to withdraw its contract with international communications firm, APCO Worldwide, and set up a royal commission to inquire into the firm, alleging that it posed a risk to national security.

Anwar raised the issue when providing an explanation in the Dewan Rakyat after Kota Belud member of parliament Abdul Rahman Dahlan suggested that he be referred to the Rights and Privileges Committee for alleging that the 1Malaysia concept was copied from One Israel, which he linked to APCO Worldwide.

A azlan PCO Worldwide has issued a denial, saying it neither worked with the Israeli government nor helped to create the 1Malaysia concept.

Rais said the opposition parties were worried because they realised that the people were supporting 1Malaysia and that the government's resolve in transforming the country was beginning to show results.

"They feel that their issues are becoming irrelevant, and so they become jealous, and this doesn't speak well of their level of political maturity," he said.

- Bernama