Hishammuddin Dreams Of A United Malaysia

(Bernama) – MELBOURNE:  Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said he has the same dream his grandfather Datuk Onn Jaffar had about 50 years ago – a united Malaysia.

Speaking at a well-attended seminar here titled "Racial integration and its challenges" organised by Melbourne Umno Club yesterday, the Minister of Home Affairs said the topic was close to the heart of all Malaysians.

"It is one that is very close to me personally being the grandson of Datuk Onn (Jaffar) who wanted to open Umno to all races and as the son of Tun Hussein "Bapa Perpaduan," Hishammuddin said.

He said the 1Malaysia concept introduced and promoted by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak was a revival of Onn's dream of a united Malaysia — many races but one Malaysia.

"I continue to dream of a united Malaysia and I continue to hold on to that dream," said Hishammuddin to an applause from more than 200 Malaysian students.

But he admitted integration in Malaysia was becoming much more difficult and full of challenges.

"For example, even education and schools can easily become the place in which we can be most emotional," Hishammuddin said.

"On the issue of language between multilingualism and mother tongue, the preservation of indigenous and ethnic languages, and the position of Bahasa Malaysia could easily turn ugly for the whole world to see.

"The decision to teach Science and Maths in English can easily raise heated cultural and ethnic linguistic defence," he said.

Hishammuddin said, though the odds for racial integration in Malaysia "are against us, though it may still be a dream that has yet to materialise, we must continue to hold on to that dream, work hard at it with sincerity, honesty and integrity".