Unity in Malaysia

Unity in Diversity

by SuccessDynamics @ 2010-05-08 – 08:49:26

The Prime Minister of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Najib has been championing the 1Malaysia concept for all Malaysians since he took office. What are the ordinary Malaysians' perception of its success?

For me, I must honestly admit that it is going no where. Why do I have such a negative perception?

Well, just read all the main stream newspapers and we will come across comments and articles that go against the very grain of the 1Malaysia concept.

For example, the most recent controversy on YAB Lim Guan Eng's adoption of the Caliph Omar, as his role model and UMNO's Shahabudin Yahya's (BN - Permatang Berangan)remark that he stop doing so. Reason given being that LGE is not a Muslim and his using of the much respect Caliph Omar is making Muslims restless and uneasy. Is this true? Are Muslims restless and unhappy because LGE adopts Caliph Omar as his role model? How about if LGE decides to adopt our Past Prime Ministers, the much loved and respected Tunku Abdul Rahman, Tun Abdul Razak, Tun Hussein Onn, Tun Mahathir or Tun Abdullah Badawi as his role model? Is this alright?

It is most saddening that when a non-Muslim adopts a much respected Muslim Ruler as his role model, he is challenged and has been told to stop doing so. On the contrary, Muslims should be happy and proud of the lasting impact of the Caliph whose Islamic rule is having influence after such a long time that even non-Muslim leaders are adopting him as a role model for modern govenance.

As an ordinary Malaysian, I feel Shahabudin is doing Islam a big disfavour and insultng the intelligence of most Muslims. If such a simple right of choosing a role model is not allowed, what other rights do we have? Fortunately, from the various comments in the blogosphere, I am at least encouraged that there are many ordinary Muslims who do not share Shahabudin's views. One of the commentators even remarked that he believe the much loved and...