FOCUS ON SABAH
National Integration, a positive aspect is a very broad statement and vital for our survival. It reduces socio-cultural and economic differences or inequalities and strengthens national unity and solidarity, which is not imposed by any authority. People share ideas, values and emotional bonds. It is the feeling of unity within diversity. Being a pluralistic society, it is normal that different interest groups may start identifying themselves, and pressing their cases for a better place in the society. Sometimes the political circumstances can widen the sphere of such thinking making an interest among the division wanting to know more about the roles they are playing. To achieve its ideal, the country has to pool resources, via human capital, cultural, religious, scientifi c and natural resources to achieve oneness in all spheres of life of the citizens of the country so that the progress can be realized. With the progress, Malaysians can enjoy fruits of prosperity and happiness, living in harmony irrespective of the race, creed, language, religion and cultural leanings professed by each one of them as individuals. Malaysia is a federation of 13 states and three federal territories. The development so far has been rather imbalanced with most of the wealth centred on certain urban areas. Many other states register signifi cant numbers still living under the poverty line. In order to obtain better distribution of national wealth, the relationship between state and federal government needs to continuously and signifi cantly improve. Political differences between the political leaders should not hinder the best interests of the people. To most Malaysians, national unity centres on the feeling that we all belong in every sense of the word. Equally, and
without discrimination, we are Malaysians fi rst and foremost before we are anyone else. That means we celebrate our cultural, racial, language, food and other diversities, knowing fully well that we are inextricably linked and belong to one nation, in spite of our various backgrounds. We not only accept our differences, we recognize that as our strength. What has prevented national unity strengthening further is that we have stressed our differences as divisive forces and failed to cultivate it as strengths? Not only do we not celebrate our differences we have become intolerant of them. Many differences have been raised in the media to such an extent that we negotiate for everything based on race, language and religion. If that is not enough, quotas, jobs opportunities and education, equity stakes – all of these are being split up on the basis of race with political parties representing, basically, races. Where have we gone wrong? Malaysians should not be thinking as Sarawakians or Kelantanese or Sabahans, instead, we should be thinking and moving forward as Malaysians. The policy should promote greater co-operation between our regions and improve on the integration of the people. Arts and other cultural aspects of
Traditional dress
strengthen national integration. The principles of 1Malaysia Foundation encourage public discussion and participation in critical social development, public issues and programmers. Essentially, 1Malaysia Foundation takes every step possible to help achieve a truly united Malaysian nation. The gap between the more
Malaysia should also be enriched by the merger of the myriad of cultures available in Malaysia. That means performance arts and music must be concertedly encouraged to portray the essence of unity of Malaysian race tries to achieve. Since 1955 when we successfully established the government of Malaya, our leaders fi rmly believed political cooperation and understanding to be crucial to ensuring stability and national unity. Hence political cooperation through a consensus within the alliance of several political parties, expanded with the establishment of the Barisan National (BN) or National Front in 1971. Today BN represents the various ethnic interests in the ruling government.
The 1Malaysia concept introduced by Prime Minister Dato’ Seri NajibRazak is a brilliant step to further
affl uent urbanites and the seemingly hard up rural folks also needs attention. The disparity between the two categories of people could be redressed by means of certain revamps in areas of education and economy. Many Malaysians agree to the suggestion that the teaching of English must be more thorough and progressive in rural areas. This is to give the students a better footing in competing with their urban peers. Economic opportunities in villages and other rural areas should also be increased as it will help to raise the living standards of villagers without having to move to the city. We share our similarities, and at the same time celebrate our differences. We believe that this is the best monument we can erect for a greater Malaysia nation.
Reference: 1) Malaysia’s Unity & Its Challenges by Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye
The Parliamentarian | 2015: Issue One - Sabah | III
Sabah Tourism
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