1MALAYSIA CONCEPT HAS UNIVERSAL APPEAL, EASILY ACCEPTABLE

KUALA LUMPUR, July 17 (Bernama) -- The 1Malaysia concept is expected to be
easily accepted by the multiracial population of Malaysia because of its
universal appeal, Information Communication and Culture Minister Dr Rais Yatim
said Friday.

He said he was convinced that the concept, mooted by Prime Minister Najib
Razak, would not suffer the same fate as Islam Hadhari (Civilisational Islam)
which, he felt, was often misinterpreted and politicised by many quarters.

With accurate and thorough explanation at information sessions, the ministry
was confident that by the end of the year, Malaysians would fully understand and
incorporate the concept in their lives, he said.

"Indeed, we are learning from the weaknesses of past information sessions
and assimilation of values, including several matters pertaining to Islam
Hadhari which were questioned.

"But fortunately for us, this time around, 1Malaysia has greater universal
appeal with minimal negative aspects. Therefore, we do not expect to be stuck in
the same predicament this time around as we have a syllabus or action plan," he
told reporters after attending a special briefing on the ministry's direction
at Angkasapuri, here.

Dr Rais said the syllabus or action plan would ensure that all 18
departments under the ministry would be able to convey the 1Malaysia objective
effectively.

He said the blitz to realise 1Malaysia in all departments under the ministry
had been started and, in the next two days, the ministry's officers would
attend a retreat to discuss how to effectively launch 1Malaysia across the
country for the concept to be widely accepted.

Meanwhile, Dr Rais said, the ministry would also introduce the Key
Performance Indicators (KPI) for the minister, deputy ministers, the
secretary-general and officers based on the main objective of extending their
struggle, understanding and practices through 1Malaysia.

He said it was compulsory for every department under the ministry to have
KPIs in addition to related areas of focus of the respective departments so that
the job scope of each sector under the ministry could be specified.

"In other words, it will be the responsibility of my ministry to ensure that
all the 18 departments under it can pool their resources to realise the
mission," he said.

Dr Rais said the KPI evaluation of each department would depend on the
extent of the people's acceptance and understanding of the 1Malaysia concept.

"Our mission and vision are focused on realising 1Malaysia because the
government has placed the onus to do so upon us. As such, the question would be
how far the people understand the 1Malaysia concept and manifest it in their
lives at the end of the year.

"In the sense of being good to one's neighbours, understanding the status of
the Malay language, respecting the religions and cultures of others - all of
these contribute to the pockets of understanding and cooperation in our
interaction. This is what's going to enhance our performance," he said.

Dr Rais said that with the related areas of focus, each sector such as
culture and heritage which had many branches would have their specific
priorities, but would all eventually lead to the 1Malaysia concept.
-- BERNAMA