1Malaysia (pronounced One Malaysia in English and Satu Malaysia in Malay) was a political slogan coined by former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak in 2009. The Initiative aimed to promote ethnic harmony, national unity, and efficient governance.[1] Over time, the concept became the subject of public debate and controversy.
After the 2018 Malaysian general election, in which the long-standing Barisan Nasional's government collapsed and was defeated by Pakatan Harapan, which emerged as the new ruling government, along with the ousting of Najib, the concept was abolished and replaced with Sayangi Malaysiaku, a concept created by Mahathir Mohamad, alongside other significant changes made by his government during his premiership.
Overview
1Malaysia is a concept introduced by Prime Minister Najib Razak to promote national unity. According to Razak, the concept is based on eight values: high performance, culture, accuracy, knowledge, innovation, integrity, strong will, loyalty, and wisdom.[2][3]
Logo and slogan
An official logo and slogan have been introduced alongside the launch of the 1Malaysia concept. The logo features the number '1', incorporating the national Jalur Gemilang flag and the word "Malaysia". According to the Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, the government spent RM38 million (approximately US$8 million) to promote the concept in 2010.[4]
Slogan
Slogan
Branches of 1Malaysia
1Malaysia clinics
In the 2010 budget, the Malaysian government allocated funding to establish 50 medical clinics under the 1Malaysia initiative. These clinics provided basic medical services for conditions such as fever, coughs, colds, wounds, cuts, diabetes, and hypertension. Malaysian citizens were charged RM1 (approximately US$0.22) for treatment and medication,[8] while non-citizens were charged RM15.[9] These clinics were later renamed Community Clinics.
1Malaysia Community WiFi
As part of the 1Malaysia campaign, free Wi-Fi services were introduced in rural areas under the Kampung Tanpa Wayar (Wireless Villages) initiative.[10][11]
Controversies
Interpretation
A year after the introduction of the 1Malaysia concept, former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who also served as Najib Razak’s mentor, reportedly stated that he "still doesn't understand" the concept.[28] In July 2010, an opinion poll highlighted public scepticism about the initiative. According to The Malaysian Insider, the survey revealed that the non-Malay respondents were "almost split" on the Najib administration's national unity agenda. The poll found that 46% of respondents believed the 1Malaysia concept was a political strategy to win non-Malay votes, while only 39% felt it was a sincere effort to promote unity among all races in Malaysia.[29]
Criticism of poor public services
Various 1Malaysia initiatives have faced criticism over the years. The 1Malaysia clinics were particularly criticised for their lack of equipment, poor-quality medications, unqualified staff, and reports of unprofessional behaviour by nursing personnel towards patients.[30]
See also
- Bangsa Malaysia
- Malaysian Malaysia
- 1Malaysia Development Berhad scandal
External links
References
- Economic and political developments in Malaysia: new players new game? East Asia Forum, 2009-12-30, retrieved 2023-04-15^
- Cabinet agrees to revamp Biro Tata Negara curriculum The Sun Daily, 1 December 2009, retrieved 8 July 2018^
- 1Malaysia Concept In Local Drama Series, Bernama, 14 December 2009