It was certainly ironical when the Deputy Prime Minister, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin agreed with former Prime Minister, Tun Dr Mahathir that Malaysians have yet to understand the 1Malaysia concept and argued that the public needed more time to fully understand 1Malaysia. It couldn't have been more apt when the Deputy Prime Minister admitted that “certain groups are “purposely sabotaging the 1Malaysia concept”.
There is probably at present, no bigger saboteur of the 1Malaysia concept than Tan Sri Muhyiddin himself for he had sought to expound a completely different interpretation of 1Malaysia compared to the official definition provided by the Government in the official documents.
While the Government Transformation Programme approved by the Cabinet and published in December last year defined the goal of 1Malaysia as “a nation where, it is hoped, every Malaysian perceives himself or herself as Malaysian first, and by race, religion, geographical region or socio-economic background second”. It was a definition which was clear and concise.
However, despite the above, the Deputy Prime Minister had chosen to reject the goal of 1Malaysia, by by insisting that he is “Malay first” and subsequently ridiculing the concept of “Malaysian first” by saying “How can I say I'm Malaysian first and Malay second? All the Malays will shun me... and it's not proper.”
The impact of Tan Sri Muhyiddin's contempt for the Malaysian first concept as defined by the Government sounded the death knell for a unifying “1Malaysia” and is best epitomised by the complete refusal til today for the President of Gerakan, Tan Sri Koh Tsu Koon, who is also the Minister in-charge of the Government Transformation Programme, as well as the President of MCA, Datuk Seri Chua Soi Lek to declare themselves “Malaysian first”.
It is hence completely unsurprising that Malaysians fail to understand the concept of 1Malaysia, and Tun Dr Mahathir had lamented that the concept is interpreted differently by different people.
The Deputy Prime Minister's strident support for “ketuanan Melayu” as being a pillar for 1Malaysia and the complicit and complete acquiesce of Barisan Nasional component parties, MCA, MIC and Gerakan to UMNO's demands ensures that there will be no chance of a “Malaysian first” goal of being achieved.
For example, despite an initial attempt by MCA to defend the rights of Christians to use the term “Allah” in their prayers, the MCA President, Datuk Seri Chua Soi Lek wasted no time backing down from its initial position once MCA received a rebuke and warning from the Deputy Prime Minister. Instead of fighting for an inclusive “1Malaysia” which took into consideration the rights and interests of all Malaysians, Datuk Seri Chua changed the party's position, claiming that they were “merely echoing the wishes of non-governmental organisation Christian Federation of Malaysia”. This is to say that MCA themselves have no opinions or position about the issue.
Hence the Tan Sri Muhyiddin has no one else to blame but himself for disparaging the initially noble concept of “1Malaysia” by failing to take into consideration the rights and interest of all Malaysians. The non-UMNO Barisan Nasional component parties on the other hand, perpetuate the failure by refusing to take a position in the interest of all Malaysians, by refusing to challenge Umno, even if the latter is acting against the official government policy or the interest of all Malaysians at large.
6 comments:
Like your balls here but you are walking on dicey territory. No matter what, the unwritten rules of the game are ALWAYS unfair.
The thing about Muhiyiddin is that he actually rarely stick his head out to everyone. When he does, he usually got a lot of the analysis or even facts wrong. Be it water, be it in education, on religion, race (e.g. Malays won't hate him if he declare he is Malaysian first, the excitable ones won't get excited about him only) etc. he has to some degree lost touch constantly. That is where its worthwhile to go after him
He is getting himself ready to take over the P.M. !
He did not give up his holds on Johore to become the DPM as he is no longer a spring chicken.
Typical of all Umno leaders who would wave the Keris and shout to the Chinese to return to China.
The present DPM wants to take over the P.M. job at all cost and he had started his desire and actions to become the next P.M. sometime ago.
Even Anwar was doing the same thing when he was the DPM i recalled his clarion calls for the Chinese to return to China just so to get the support of the Malays. And just like the present DPM, Anwar too aspires to become the next P.M. but he is keeping his feelings to himself these days. He was not invited back to lead Umno after coming out of jail which he thought he would but he forgot that there were many others who want to be on the gravy train. Less man more share and consequently he was not invited back by Umno and he now he turns to become the opposition leader but he has a long long time to wait !Ever heard of the saying a known devil is better than an unknown one.
This Muhyiddin has no intelectual mind and it is sad we have to bear with him as our DPM(but I hope not for long).I know he want to stress that he is a malay by race.But why should you justified that you would not want to be shunned by your own race if you don't say that? Are you scared of your political position being jeapordised? What is so wrong to tell the people that you are Malaysian first? You are the DPM of Malaysia!You are not the DPM of only one race!
Yb Tony,
I thought you are the man of Transparency and accountability, but what the hell are you doing in Tee's PR councilor Press Conference?
Are you supporting him. if yes you are just cakap tak serupa bikinlah
Have you heard of such thing as selective hearing or memory?? This is the same thing la...
Selective 1Malaysia la! It is 1Malaysia if it suit them and their wicked ways la. This is typical of BN la.. So, if I am you, I wont believe a damn word that PM or DPM have to say. It is selective!!
Yes, the goal is to see a change in Government in the next election. Someone has to keep track of such selective happenings and project it all out during campaign.. Hopefully, there will be a change. Frankly, I think we are overdue in changing the government!!!
Please do not condemned Muhyiddin too much. He is doing a good job for the opposition. Indeed, we should encourage him to say more of that kind.
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