Mariam Mokhtar, Malaysia Chronicle
When Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak unveiled the 1Malaysia programme, the ideology behind it was for the cabinet, government agencies and civil servants to promote ethnic harmony, national unity and efficient governance.
Little did we know that his ulterior motive was for BN to conspire to win the next general election (GE-13) by stealth.
Many were sceptical then and many remain sceptical today about the 1Malaysia soundbite.
The year after 1Malaysia was first introduced, Mahathir Mohammad was hazy about its concept.
Worse still, three months ago, the deputy PM Muhyiddin Yassin was equally in the dark about what 1Malaysia stood for.
Najib’s announcement that the 1Malaysia symbol is to be added to the BN logo, has revealed his long term scheming and tactical strategy to win GE-13 by deception.
In Malaysia, the campaign period which is permitted by law runs from the date of nomination until polling day. As expected, the ruling party will have been geared for elections at a much earlier date. This is their advantage.
Najib’ decision, to link the two logos, has shown BN’s underhand tactics.
Since its inception, the 1Malaysia logo has been linked to schemes such as the 1Malaysia milk for schools, the 1Malaysia foundation, the 1Malaysia Clinic, 1Malaysia Retirement Savings Scheme and 1Malaysia Computers.
Najib is aware that many are disillusioned with BN and its policies. There is a need to revamp its image with a new revised version of the BN logo.
Thus, the new look is a question of survival; his and the party’s.
However, BN is also aware that a majority of the rural and older voters do not know how to mark their ballot papers as they are so used to the BN logo.
Thus, by appending the 1Malaysia to the BN logo, it kills two birds with one stone.
Those who are familiar with the old BN logo and the fence sitters will be duped, by the 1Malaysia symbol, into thinking that BN espouses a policy of racial unity. This is where many realise the shallowness of the whole 1Malaysia concept.
We know that in a democracy, truthful information is crucial.
Najib has been promoting his 1Malaysia for two years and what started off as a ploy to unite the races has been turned into political spin.
Malaysians are divided but at the same time, they would love to believe in the 1Malaysia concept. Mahathir’s rule successfully eroded any ties forged since Merdeka.
What a shame then, if people were to vote for BN just because they were fooled by the 1Malaysia logo.
How much better it would have been if a party was voted in on the strength of its policies.
When Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak unveiled the 1Malaysia programme, the ideology behind it was for the cabinet, government agencies and civil servants to promote ethnic harmony, national unity and efficient governance.
Little did we know that his ulterior motive was for BN to conspire to win the next general election (GE-13) by stealth.
Many were sceptical then and many remain sceptical today about the 1Malaysia soundbite.
The year after 1Malaysia was first introduced, Mahathir Mohammad was hazy about its concept.
Worse still, three months ago, the deputy PM Muhyiddin Yassin was equally in the dark about what 1Malaysia stood for.
Najib’s announcement that the 1Malaysia symbol is to be added to the BN logo, has revealed his long term scheming and tactical strategy to win GE-13 by deception.
In Malaysia, the campaign period which is permitted by law runs from the date of nomination until polling day. As expected, the ruling party will have been geared for elections at a much earlier date. This is their advantage.
Najib’ decision, to link the two logos, has shown BN’s underhand tactics.
Since its inception, the 1Malaysia logo has been linked to schemes such as the 1Malaysia milk for schools, the 1Malaysia foundation, the 1Malaysia Clinic, 1Malaysia Retirement Savings Scheme and 1Malaysia Computers.
Najib is aware that many are disillusioned with BN and its policies. There is a need to revamp its image with a new revised version of the BN logo.
Thus, the new look is a question of survival; his and the party’s.
However, BN is also aware that a majority of the rural and older voters do not know how to mark their ballot papers as they are so used to the BN logo.
Thus, by appending the 1Malaysia to the BN logo, it kills two birds with one stone.
Those who are familiar with the old BN logo and the fence sitters will be duped, by the 1Malaysia symbol, into thinking that BN espouses a policy of racial unity. This is where many realise the shallowness of the whole 1Malaysia concept.
We know that in a democracy, truthful information is crucial.
Najib has been promoting his 1Malaysia for two years and what started off as a ploy to unite the races has been turned into political spin.
Malaysians are divided but at the same time, they would love to believe in the 1Malaysia concept. Mahathir’s rule successfully eroded any ties forged since Merdeka.
What a shame then, if people were to vote for BN just because they were fooled by the 1Malaysia logo.
How much better it would have been if a party was voted in on the strength of its policies.
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