1Malaysia won’t undermine Malay interests – Rais

(Bernama) The 1Malaysia concept introduced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak will not undermine the interests of the Malays and the position of Bahasa Malaysia as the national language, Information, Communications and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim said today.

He said there was no reason for the people to be confused about or reject the concept.

“The concept does not contain anything which can lead to undesirable matters; it emphasises unity, it promotes harmony, it encourages productivity,” he told reporters after a post-Cabinet meeting at the Negeri Sembilan Broadcasting Complex in Jalan Sungai Gadut here.

The question of the concept was raised because some Malays were confused over the “Malaysian Malaysia” concept advocated by the DAP at one time. They saw the 1Malaysia concept of Najib as the first step towards providing for equal rights among all the communities with the objective of winning back the support of the Chinese and Indians.

Dr Rais said the concept did not change the special privileges of the Malays in Article 153 of the constitution or alter the position of the Malay language in Article 152.

“It only brings about a continuation of the values of the nation’s struggles. Now, it is up to us whether to contribute to its success or avoid involvement,” he said.

On another matter, Dr Rais asked the people to be patient for another month or so to see changes by his ministry with regard to radio and television programmes or films.

The programmes to be broadcast from now on would contribute to development of the nation-state but would have commercial value and be interesting to follow, he said.

This was being undertaken after the ministry had set up a special panel to adapt imported television programmes or films for the country, he said, and invited the private sector to join the panel.