MY SDG ASSIGNMENT

Value of One Malaysia

INTRODUCTION

Current globalization challenges sweeping the world require the reassigning of strategies so as to not be excluded or isolated from the speed of development or become victims of oppression by certain quarters. To overcome this situation, Malaysians, regardless of race or religion need to think and act as one race, that is the Malaysian race that thinks and acts towards a common goal to build a world that is prosperous, progressive, peaceful and safe thus enabling it to compete with other communities in the world.

In the effort to create a Malaysian race that is more resilient in overcoming all kinds of challenges brought about by globalization, including socialistic, economical and political, Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato Sri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak has introduced the concept of 1Malaysia.

One Malaysia is based on the principle of ‘People First, Performance Now’. This concept fulfils the aspirations of Malaysians in line with the allocation enshrined in the Federal Constitution and National Principles. The Malaysian concept seeks to strengthen relationship and cooperation among the multi-ethnic people in this country as the main instrument to thwart the various threats  and challenges that aim to threaten and disrupt the sanctity of their lives. This concept, if applied by all concerned, is also able to turn Malaysia into a more peaceful, well-grounded and progressive nation in every endeavour that will be respected by the world over.

YAB Dato Sri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak in the 1Malaysia Concept hems in 8 values. These values are drawn up with the hope of uniting Malaysians in mind and action leading to one goal for the country. These eight values are the culture of excellence, endurance, humility,  acceptance, loyalty, meritocracy, education and integrity.

1.      Culture of Excellence

In practising a culture of excellence and high prestige, it will bring Malaysia to greater heights of success. The success and achievement of the community and country depends on how much this culture is practised by its people. The culture with high prestige ensures each fact and each task is done at their level best. Apathy and laidback attitudes will not be tolerated and cannot exist in a progressive community.

This culture has to be continuously propagated with prestige as yardstick to measure

achievement and development. Precision principle is an element in determining excellence. Precision in time management is extremely important in determining progress and others’ acceptance, especially when dealing with people outside Malaysia.

Precision in measurement, delivery schedule and quality are closely related to

ensuring excellence and success.

Key Performance Indicators (KPI) is extremely important in measuring the quality of

service rendered alongside dedication, commitment and hard work. Countries outside Malaysia will acknowledge Malaysia as a country that places importance on quality and precision in all aspects, especially in the world trading system that is export-based.

2.      Endurance

Each execution of work requires endurance and diligence. The fight towards achieving development and excellence for the country surely requires its leaders and people to be steadfast in overcoming trials and tribulations. Malaysians need to be fervent in facing trials and challenges for the sake of their individual successes and that of the country.

The ability to weather individual change ought to be used as a guide to rectify mistakes or failure in previous tasks. Failure or deterioration needs to be analysed and rectified in a positive manner.

The attitude of surrendering to frustrations and leaving things to chance or fate must be scrapped or completely eliminated if we are to attain progress and success. In confronting failure, a different and creative approach needs to be sought to induce bigger and more significant changes. The spirit of fighting and strong will needs to be present to achieve success for self, community and country.

3.      Humility

Humility is another trait that is essential. It is encouraged in Islamic teachings and the

same can be said of the culture and demeanour of the Malay community who gives utmost respect to those who are humble. Common courtesy and politeness needs to be a part of our daily routine. To be humble does not mean that we bow down or surrender to others.

These abilities need not be flaunted or be showcased in an obnoxious way. Malaysians are extremely humble and accord much respect to others but possess inner strength and strong will towards certain principles. Humility must be accorded suitably depending on time, situation and place. When we are overseas and dealing with foreigners, we have to demonstrate our strength, confidence and ability as Malaysians but not through abrasiveness, oppression or hostility.

4.      Acceptance

Acceptance Concept and tolerance are two different concepts in phrase and execution. Acceptance is evident in positive reaction in receiving something sincerely and without force. Malaysia is a country that needs people who can accept all that are good through consensus. Acceptance of all races to get the best is needed to develop a national race. All the best for Malays, Chinese and Indians and others has to be used and has to gain acceptance by the community.

All programmes and financial allocations from the government must be distributed fairly, comprehensively and equitably according to need without limitation to community, race, ethnic or political inclinations. The same must be applied to education, scholarship, subsidies, financial help and project distribution needs to reflect the needs of 1Malaysia. Individual ability and talent determine self-development, regardless of gender or ethnic background.

5.      Loyalty

The principle of loyalty is essential in all situations. Loyalty to King and country as outlined by the second National Principle has to be embraced unconditionally. All races have to make loyalty and importance to country a priority over loyalty to own group and race. Loyalty to leaders and head of an organization is the basis for authority, firmness,

success and excellence. Followers must show loyalty to leaders as an organization that is in shambles and does not follow the orders of its respective leaders will ultimately fail.

Loyalty will breed belief and garner a relationship between two parties.

Solid relationships and ties garnered through loyalty must be established through honesty and sincerity with friends, family or leaders. Criticism and views that are constructive ought to be accepted in a relationship to ensure success. Constructive or corrective criticism towards a mistake or weakness is a mark of a true friend. Criticism in an effort to build strength needs to be done widely and with good intentions so that all weaknesses and mistakes can be rectified for the general good.

Leaders or heads of organizations need to shed arrogance and are not above reprimand or criticism. Loyalty must be accompanied with the ability to execute jobs or tasks excellently. Value or rewards towards loyalty must be based on effort, achievement and development that are established in each relationship. Blind loyalty or relationships that are meaningless and impede progress are useless. Relationships that are based on currying favours must be avoided at all costs so that it will not be misconstrued and abused by opportunist and will ultimately end up in failure.

6.      Meritocracy

Meritocracy is a way or direction that needs to be ingrained and practiced in a democratic country to ensure that we qualify and fulfill the criteria to be given the opportunity to spur growth for the country. In certain situations, there will be parties that are not as well endowed or live in remote areas, estates or new townships and it is the government’s job to help these people.

Meritocracy emphasizes open competition based on pre-requisites that have been pre-determined and whosoever is able to fulfill the required criteria has the right to be chosen. In executing the meritocracy principle, choice according to prestige and culture of excellence will maximize potential of Malaysians in all aspects. In government acquisitions, contracts are awarded through open tenders and selected contractors must fulfill all requirements. Companies, contractors, service providers, consultants etc. which are selected must prove their potential and give the best quote or offer that encompasses price, product, service and promised results. The Principle of Meritocracy prepares Malaysians in facing challenges in globalization and liberalization.

7.      Education

Education and knowledge are essential pre-requisites for any country to achieve success. Strength and endurance based on community that is educated and knowledgeable supersedes military might. The country needs a community that places importance on education and knowledge over and above anything else. A reading culture begets open-minded Malaysians. National schools have been redefined to include vernacular schools. All school types, be it National, Chinese or Tamil must always find opportunities to interact and conduct activities together.

The curriculum that has been developed for these three types of schools must stress

common values that are inculcated to form 1Malaysia. A country will only truly be developed and successful when its people are highly knowledgeable. The culture of knowledge inclines one to pursue state-of-the-art knowledge and prepares one to pursue knowledge till the end of time.

8.      Integrity

Integrity is important to a government as it means gaining people’s trusts and confidence. This value needs to be assimilated by all from leaders downwards regardless of position. We must be honest and trustworthy in our actions and in our speech. We must tell the truth even though it is hard and difficult to accept. We must strive to rectify all mistakes. Each fact or action that fails or is wrong needs to be rectified in order to achieve perfection. Keeping promises and being punctual is a noble value that is enjoined by all religions. Breaking a promise can ebb away trust and loyalty.

Accept criticism and reprimands with an open heart even though it is difficult to accept

by certain parties. These criticisms and admonishments must be turned into lessons and guidelines to rectify and avoid future mistakes. Ability and qualification must be given priority without going through illegal channels. Set aside personal gain in all actions and behaviour. National interests must supersede other interests. Selfish actions that only benefit self, family or group must not be entertained. The culture of high prestige is the main basis of integrity in all aspects and services provided.

Conclusion

The Concept of 1Malaysia aspires to strengthen relationships among races and ensures Malaysians sow the seed of unity as enshrined in the National Principles. Mutual trust and respect among races needs to exist in order to sow the spirit of unity. People must understand and practise things that place national interests as priority.

All races must assume that everything must be shared and make sure that no community or race lags from enjoying development and protection from the government.

It is hoped that these noble values will unite Malaysians in mind and action as a goal for one nation. Through 1Malaysia, no one will feel alienated because everyone belongs to one race, the Malaysian race, which has the same goals and aspirations to develop the country.

In creating a unified national race in a multi-racial country like Malaysia in this era of globalization, it is imperative that we allow free and fast flow of not just information, capital and people but also value systems, cultures and beliefs from different countries. The ability to build a unified national race depends on the sharing of the values of integrity, ability, dedication and loyalty. Therefore, all Malaysians must embrace the main principles of 1Malaysia, which espouse togetherness, and sense of belonging to make this concept a resounding success.