1MALAYSIA CONCEPT WILL BE EXPLAINED TO THE PEOPLE

KUALA LUMPUR, April 16 (Bernama) -- The 1Malaysia concept, which stresses
harmony irrespective of religion, race or political ideology, will be explained
to the people so that they can make it part of their daily lives, Information,
Communications and Culture Minister Dr Rais Yatim said Thursday.

He said the ministry, which was also responsible for ensuring that the
concept was conveyed to the people, would use the agencies and departments under
it to draw up programmes involving the rural and urban society, professionals,
the civil service and others.

"Each segment (in the society) must contribute towards making 1Malaysia a
success. It includes the interests of Sabah, Sarawak, the young generation and
the priorities of the old generation through education and the public service,"
he said.

The prime minister did not mention a syllabus or measurement because the
1Malaysia concept was only aimed at promoting harmony, irrespective of religious
or political ideology, and prioritising productivity and the country as a
developing nation which had scored high points in the eyes of the world, he said
after the ministry's monthly assembly at Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad here.

He said that to make the concept a success, the five departments under
information, five under communications and 11 under culture would provide
information and entertainment aimed at involving the society in the country's
major policies.

Earlier, in his speech, Dr Rais said civil servants should carry out their
duties with distinction.

He said that the merger of the ministries meant that the staff concerned had
a heavier responsibility.

"Our focus is to explain to the people. If we cannot do that, then it's not
right for the ministry to be called the information ministry," he said.

He also wanted the staff to step up the use of Bahasa Malaysia and to be
more sensitive to what was reported and written in the new media.
-- BERNAMA