I must admit the concept of 1Malaysia is a good branding exercise promoted by Dato Seri Najib for race unity although it has existed before from previous leadership through a different name. However, certain quarters has tried to linked it up with the same concept promoted by the opposition, DAP and that is 'Malaysian Malaysia'. The concept that DAP trying to promote is equality for all races in Malaysia. This means that all Malaysian are equal and no race have the special priviledge over the others. However, 1Malaysia concept promoted by Dato' Seri Najib have stated that it abides by the federal constitution and therefore the concept is not the same as DAP concept. This means it still recognise Malays to have special priviledges eventhough all races embraces the concept of having a 1Malaysia for growth and unity.
Brazil for instance is a good example of equality among races because there are no category for races even existed in the country. In their form or ID, there are not even a category for races. Therefore all individual is treated as Brazilians no matter what color their skins are. However, in reality in the country, there do exist groups that is white in skin color and a group that is black and brown. Generally, the white skin groups dominates the economy and trades while the darker skins dominates arts and sports. And in reality also, the groups that in position of power in Brazil and in the higher income bracket is the white skins.
This scenario that happens in Brazil shows the disadvantage of having no race category. The discrimination and displacement of races occured in broad daylight but since there are no race category there, there are also no law for race discrimination. The groups that have darker skins is been left out in the economics development and position of power and they can do nothing about because as individuals there whether you are black or white, you are a Brazillian. Or 1Brazillians if I may add.
So we now have to ask ourselves, which 1Malaysia concept that we really want to adapt? The BN or DAP?
