PM: Don’t misuse 1Malaysia to make demands

(The Star) PETALING JAYA: The 1Malaysia concept should not be misused by anyone as it is meant to foster greater unity, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

The concept’s meaning and appreciation, he said, should be based on three core principles – acceptance, nationhood, and social justice.

“I hope the 1Malaysia concept will lead towards stronger unity. It brings the appreciation of unity to a higher level from tolerance to acceptance.

“It should not be misused by anyone to push for extreme or unreasonable demands,” he said yesterday.

The question of unity, he said, should not be taken for granted as it enhanced national integration and was the core of the country’s success.

“Unity goes beyond tolerance. We must not just tolerate one another but accept one another for who we are in a plural society,” Najib added.

He said it was also important to understand the principles of nationhood including the country’s history, the Federal Constitution and the Rukun Negara.

Najib also handed out the Anugerah Kalung Perpaduan awards to those who had contributed to the country’s unity.

Among those who received the medal, plaque and a cheque for RM5,000 was Datuk David Arumugam of Alleycats.

Najib also reminded the Hindu Rights Action Force leaders and members not to make statements that could affect the country’s safety and unity.

The Government, he said, was genuine in releasing the five Hindraf leaders.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon, meanwhile, said the unity action plan would be reviewed in July to further enhance unity.