Tony Fernandes CEO Blog

The Entrepreneur

Jul 15, 2009

Categories: Others

Yesterday, I was appointed on the board of trustees of the newly set up 1Malaysia Foundation.

I broke the news and immediately posed this question on my Twitter and Facebook accounts. A small part of Malaysia spoke up on what 1Malaysia means to them and I can only conclude that we are a passionate bunch of people about our nation. Here’s what they have to say.

Tiong Lim: We are the true melting pot of Asia. This is where great ideas and creativity like what are you doing now prevailing.
Shaolin Tiger: It means NO vernacular schools, 1 education system = 1 malaysia.
Jason Lo: Check any AirAsia flight for your 1Malaysia. Everybody equal, trying to get by, those who put in effort get a better deal.
Suazzer: means fair & equal treatment 2 all, decisions based on merit, respecting oth's views & religion
AttyaAttylla: 1Malaysia should be abt being equal. race especially states! west n east Msia.. big difference!!!!!!
Tej Fernandez: A common identity for all malaysians regardless of race, religion or creed! no more Malaysian Indian, Malaysian Chinese, etc
Ditesh: 1Malaysia means not being discriminated on racial or religious grounds
Khailee: acknowledging and celebrating differences... that 1malaysia is made of many tiny colourful and distinct pieces

Mokhster: 1 Malaysia shouldn't just B equality in opportunity for all races, but equality & opportunity between the haves and have nots
Abinesh: being colour blind. 1 Standard for all Malaysians~
Jeff Teo: being one against common outside "enemy/enemies", not Malays against Chinese, India vs Chinese, federal vs E.M'sia like now
Azreen: one malaysia means that regardless race / religion / status we are 1.chanting respect all the way.
Khoo KK: Simple,putting "we" before "I"! V hv multi-racial, cultures, religions, languages, but only 1Malaysia, the nation v all luv
Mitrat Singam: 1Malaysia means all the races united as 1, in all means. Bt to achieve dis we need 2 change da mentality, esp our politicians
Lim KJL: when we go anywhere especially now with AA & when ppl ask where are we from We just say 'we are Malaysians fullstop.' no race
Yang Razlan: Imsia just a slogan. In terms of race relation 40yrs ago,i had chinese, punjabi, indian friends. No talk of race, We share.
Edwin Koh: Justice and Respect and A Ringgit that is higher ! that's what 1 Malaysia is to me
Mai: 1Malaysia means not having to remind everyone that Malaysia is one. Ppl shld just know we are "one" & not make it an issue.
Cherry Kam: 1Malaysia should be able to fully utilize&maximize every single Malaysian's brains, body, & spirituality agility.. to focus only on the goodness in ppl & never criticize in what ppl lack, at least a direction, x just a mere concept.
Adeline Ng: my defination of one malaysia wld be all malaysian never has to be graded via their race anymore.
Alfred Juan: it means to me EQUALITY to ALL
Nocholas Sagau: irrespective of religion, gender, race, colour or creed everyone should be one
Saravanan Sahadevan: 1 Malaysia = Open Economy, Zero Policies. Allow us to develop as how Australia is doing now.

Robert R. Samuel: Martin Luther King's I have a Dream speech where he yearned for a time when people will be judged by the content of their character.
He spoke of it in 1963, the year Malaysia was formed by the coming together of 4 nation states.
One Malaysia is the culmination of that coming together of 4 nations (one of whom was forced out). Now we have a 3 strand rope, a trinity that binds us as Malaysians, strong in our unique diversity.
Leon Wee: Showing the world that we as a malaysian with multiculturalism could work together.
Vimalah Rajahrathenam: Equal opportunity for those who deserve it in all fields - education, business etc
Gan Chinkeong: and remove the religion indication on our IC. (beside the gender, but only muslim is indicated )
Jon Tan: Meritocracy. Full stop.
Vicknaraj Thanarajah: Bravo Tony, To me it means having a single identity and united to take our Nation to the next level, while not forgetting the underpriviledged. Progress (in physic, mind and sprite) with a Social Conscience which is blind to colour creed or race........what a mouthful.
Phyllis Wong:
Shared Faith
Shared Power
Shared Life
There is a hope in the future that we may manifest a unity of love among ourselves which will show the world that we are one in the bond of love - truly 1Malaysia.
Sharon Yap: 1 Malaysia = I dun need to fill up the race column of a form, there is only one race, Malaysian.... and of course equality, no quota, no special priviledge, etc
Seb Oh: Foremost Congrats for being invited to join the council... As for what Malaysia means; 1Malaysia should be Equal Benefits & Opportunity for all Malaysians regardless of race/ethic/religion. 1Malaysia should be fairness to ALL Malaysians, having Negara Ku sang by all Malaysians. 1Malaysia = 1Country = 1People = 1Family. But we should always showcase Malaysia's uniqueness of having Multiple Cultures and Religions living together. Now that's Truly Asia.

Ramesh Ramanathan: Individuals enjoying the same benefits and privileges regardless of color, race and religion. Meritocracy should prevail.
Yogendran Subramanium: UNITY Sir!
Respecting each others faith, religion, believes, political views, family, work, walks of life, genre, age, level of education, food and simply accepting them as a Malaysian.
That is what UNITY is and that is what 1Malaysia means to me.
John Zachariah: To me, 1Malaysia would be where all Malaysians regardless of race & religion be treated equally in every field be it politics, education or work etc. Together we can acheive much more than we have acheived. Work the saying "do unto others what you want others do unto you".
1Malaysia is a pillar to Malaysia modern civilization based on theory of reason, the natural laws of moral (Emanuel Kant). It should be something above race and religion. Eventually "Freedom" will prevails.
Joseph Tan: 1Malaysia is more like a "one nation sharing the same spirit of patriotism". perhaps we should name it as "1Malaysian", then we're talking about unity.
Baladevan Balakrishnan: One Malaysia - Neither a Malay, Indian, Chinese nor any race. Just humans with right values in one's heart, The Malaysian way!
Catherine Wong: Perpaduan tak kira bangsa & agama, kaya atau miskin.
Bavani Rengasamy: the sharing of a common aspiration, common values and love for the country. Respect towards one another, the law and our unique heritage. The singing of Negaraku.

To me, our diversity has always been our nation’s greatest strength and a lot of work needs to be done to get people to work together. The brand of Malaysia is a multicultural heritage and that attracts huge interest from the world to set up shop here. It is important that we as a nation stand together in this belief of 1Malaysia. Comment on what you think and please vote on the new voting at the sidebar of the blog. So the rest of Malaysia, what do you think 1Malaysia means to you? Do you feel Malaysian?

Tags: 1malaysia, what do you say, what do you think

17 comments »

17 comments

vilonho from Malaysia wroteon Jul 15, 2009 at 14:06

Honestly, I used to perceive One Malaysia as a political slogan until I read this set up of 1 Malaysia Foundation. Diversity of ethnicity, language and culture can never become one. Thus, the key is to understand, and to be understood. Thereby, all citizens can live in harmony with mutual respects. So, what ONE Malaysia could means most to me, is a fair business playing field. With the advancement of today’s network communication, no one can continue to hide in isolation. We should take the leap and start prospering the country with strong entrepreneur’s ability. We should not confine ourselves to think an earning of one is an expense of another. Let’s be competitive and redefine the standards. Cheers!

keeman from Malaysia wroteon Jul 15, 2009 at 14:21

A great move to promote better integration and acceptance. Hopefully, it's not merely a political propaganda.

garrychow from Malaysia wroteon Jul 15, 2009 at 15:51

Congratulations on your appointment to the board of 1Malaysia Foundation. I have experienced being a Malaysian when I was a kid in a national primary school where I got to play with kids of diverse background from the surrounding area of Jalan Ipoh in Kuala Lumpur. The same, I believe are the sentiments for a lot of Malaysian in most 'Kampung' or villages throughout the country. The older I grow up the more conversations of the impact of certain policies started to segregates and separates people into groups of privilege and those not. The feeling of 1Malaysian fades. New policies are required to re-connect the 'Muhibbah' or now known as 1Malaysia spirit back to the people. Incorporating principles for Win-Win, Team Synergy and Leverage On Our Strengths (Gotong-Royong) would bring harmony and bonding. We have many people of highly skilled and competencies that can contributes to such possibility. This would be a good start to brings people together physically, mentally and spiritually; and subsequently and/or concurrently to the people of this earth. Good Luck Datuk Seri! You Are Awesome! Best Regards! Garry Chow

purple haze from Malaysia wroteon Jul 15, 2009 at 16:12

It is perhaps easier to articulate what 1Malaysia is NOT. It is not Malay primary school kids discriminating against non-Malay kids It is not lower achievers getting scholarships that should have been given to high achievers. It is not having the religous authorities embarassing themselves. It is not a large public listed company employing the majority of its staff from one ethnic group. It is not the selective actions of certain institutions in which action is fast in some cases but slow in others. It is not having Members of Parliament or State Assemblies who spew forth seditious statements. It is not having a judiciary which does not refer to the Malaysian Consitution for guidance. There is so much more that 1Malaysia is not. Harmony, respect, acceptance (not tolerance), level playing field, freedom, inegrity, equality, etc have all been mentioned above already for what 1Malaysia should mean. Perhaps the Trustees of the 1Malaysia Foundation should ask themselves how to answer the question if asked by the rakyat - I love my country but does my country love me ?

skydreamer from Australia wroteon Jul 15, 2009 at 16:52

That's the way, Tony!!! Your blog will overdue if you didn't log in for a months (That usually happen in the other web bloging sites.) But by the way, where's my facebook comment? I wrote it down!!! Anyway, i will put it on here again!! 1 Malaysia 2 Region 3 Main Races /OR/ Federal Territories. 4 Different Languages 5 Different Religion 6 Big Cities 7 Red Strips (On the national flag) 8 th month National Day /OR/ Plus Time Zone (GMT+8) 9 .......... 10........ Sorry, i still can't fill out 9 and 10. But this express everything about Malaysia!!! P.S: Tony, Did you read my mail yet that i sent you before?? Thank you

evilwolf from United Kingdom wroteon Jul 15, 2009 at 18:48

Hi Tony, Yes, lots of passionate Malaysians who hope to see a better tomorrow for themselves and their future generations. But seriously, who are we kidding? We ARE talking about Malaysia. I felt like a 3rd class citizen in a country where I was born in and lived for 38 years. Discrimination from every angle, you name it. Hence, my reason to migrate. Absolutely the right decision. Malaysia is a battle you will never win. Do you think 1 Malaysia or the PM's silly slogan is going to amount to anything realistically tangible? These are politicians talking, for heaven's sake - it's all only a 'feel good factor'. For change to happen, the 3rd world mentality of the majority of Malaysians must change first. Heck, we have now gone back to the stone age as far as our education system is concerned. Evn English cannot be accepted in schools. Where do you think the future lies for Malaysians? You are like a needle in a haystack. Your success and achievements have astounded the world. I still cannot fathom how you did it, and continue to do it, in Malaysia! We can go on and on about this, but it just all seems to be pointless. Best regards, EW

0144101 from Malaysia wroteon Jul 15, 2009 at 18:57

I think it's important to add all of those who now live in Malaysia under the Malaysia My Second Home programme; we may not be citizens, but I think all of us, from wherever we are from, are obviously actively participating in the success of Malaysia. Many of us travel frequenly, and I suspect that Air Asia is very often a key ingredient in their travel plans. Just a thought, : a targeted promo just for MM2H folks could be interesting!

shanti from Malaysia wroteon Jul 16, 2009 at 12:56

Congratulations on your appointment Tony. I have always been your ardent fan and you inspire me on the fact "that nothing is impossible if we set our heart, mind and soul to achieve" . My two cents worth on One Malaysia - When i hear about an academic achievements, a winner in a competition, a bragged about talent or for that matter, an accident, theft/robbery or any kind of achievements or mishaps, I will refrain myself from asking, "was it a Chinese, Malay or an Indian" simply because I would think it doesnt matter if we could focus on the fact that we are Malaysians. Parents, teachers and each and everyone of us can learn alot from children when they interact with their friends irrespective of race. One Malaysia really starts from each and everyone of us as it is in our hands to achieve One Malaysia. Lets start from within us.

yuvarajah from Malaysia wroteon Jul 16, 2009 at 18:48

I am retired soldier. When I donned the uniform I never allowed my professionalism and values to undermine my calling - to serve in defense of Malaysia. It did not matter that I can never be a "son of the soil" because I knew it was not relevant to my defination of success. I am currently an HR Practitioner and after having served in 3 organisations, I would probably say corporate malaysia needs help far more than the country on the 1 Malaysia concept. As someone who fully subscribes to value based pursuits and continuous learning, I do not know if there is an answer to this dream. But one thing I do know is that we need to go back to the basics and rekindle the spirit of nationalism. I personally think our greatest threat comes from our non-homogenous and diversity make-up. Our mind sees more outward differences rather than inner commonalities. This was not how it was before?. Where did we go wrong on the path of economic prosperity?. We build towering structures but failed to develop steely characters. We to to take a step back and rebuild a mindset of nationalism and unity that transcends the diversity of the race, religion and materialism. We could use GNU (Gross National Unity) as the measure of national growth. Democratic rules, free capitalism and even so called meritocracy has to be carefully studied and thought through in direct relations to unity and I Malaysia. All other factors, including those that could affect V2020 developed status must remain subordinate to this vision. The way forward is to start with hope - our children. A sizeable portion of the current generation has been infested with too much hate propaganda and negative influence toward self-serving and materialistic myopia. Unless, we can separate the wheat from the chaff, we would only be flogging a dead horse. My strategy would be to build from childhood, a new breed of I Malaysians, educated and imbued with a passion for everything malaysian. This cannot happen at vernacular schools, hence we need to establish an examplary National School System that epitomises the 1 malaysia idealogy and doctrine. It should not only be academic oriented but should incorporate what Martin Luther King said of education, 'Intelligence Plus Character - that is the Goal of true Education". If we start them young, we can avoid squandering millions through NST programmes in trying to reverse the years of damage done through institutionalised segregation and accompanying polarisation. We don't really need legislation to swing things around. Just make national schools to out-perform the vernacular schools and make it the cream of the crop with the best facilities, teaching and higher merit weightage for tertiary scholarships. For the above to happen, we need to capitalise on the law of attraction. We should embark to introduce integrated organisational learning at every level - ministery, government, schools, corporate, Kampongs, and even households. Yes, action learning through such community based activities has to be reactivated to bring greater social awareness and understanding. Grown-ups from every walk of life need to give up their self-centredness to lend a helping hand, without judging on colour and creed. We need to create the tsunamis effects in giving people a reason to move in the direction of 1 Malaysia. The best way to see I Malaysia is to treat it as a process of learning and transformation. We can use the Balance Scorecard model, replacing the financial dimension with the Vision 2020 cum I Malaysia perspective. We can leverage on Peter Senge's organisational learning disciplines - System's Thinking, Personal Mastery, Mental Models, Buildling Shared Values and Team Learning. In conclusion, if we want to see I Malaysia then we, the current generation, need to the will power and discipline to make personal sacrifices for the larger interest of unity, harmony and solidarity. We should move towards collaboration not compromise, Integration not coexistance. Mutli racialism must prevail over race politics. I would love to be part of the foundation's effort and shall certainly contribute in whatever way I am able to. I am not sure if I will live long enough to see I Malaysia happen, but I will certainly join hands to pave the way for my kids to enjoy the fruits. I have a dream. Thank You Rgds Yuva

raj_s from Malaysia wroteon Jul 17, 2009 at 10:30

1Malaysia is not just about blurring of racial lines. After all none of us could choose where or which race or what opportunity we were born into, so lets celebrate our differences with justice and equality, respect and love. 1Malaysia starts with you and me right down at the level of our neighborhood. When as individuals and families we start to know each other better by starting to build greater bonds of friendship by working and playing together. 1Malaysia is about Malaysians working together for the betterment of one another in all forms of opportunity and service. Let us take pride in that we have uplifted the betterment of our neighbor, brother and friend. Perhaps then as 1Malaysia we could appreciate the fact that in the grand scheme of things, we are all part of one great humanity.

johnz from Malaysia wroteon Jul 19, 2009 at 11:24

We can start by having FAIRNESS in property and housing area. Currently, Mr Abu pays only 93% to buy a house. But, Mr AhChong, and Mr SivaMuthu pays 100% price to buy a house! This is certainly not fair. with the 1Malaysia, lets have fairness to all races in property and housing area.

purple haze from Malaysia wroteon Jul 20, 2009 at 13:51

After reading Sunday's Berita Harian editorial written by Zainal Ariffin Isa, I certainly do not feel Malaysian, since the Group Managing Editor has decided to view the death of a Malaysian through a highly racialistic perspective. Has the 1Malaysia Foundation any resources to educate this person ? Don't you think that for 1Malaysia to succeed, the mainstream media have a huge part to play ? Perhaps therein lies the first priority of the 1Malaysia Foundation.

tsukubalien from Malaysia wroteon Jul 21, 2009 at 01:11

1Malaysia is one good idea. But instead of focusing on changing mentality, why not focus on thinking positive despite everything that's been going on around us. As any other human being on earth, we all have a choice of being able to think positive, accept the present circumstances but with every intention to focus on positive thoughts and eventually bring about positive outcomes to our well-being, our confidence as a nation, our deep culture perspectives on our strength as a diverse community, the ability to look at one matter from different angles (given our multicultural backgrounds) ... etc. We definitely need a positive and humane approach towards FAIRNESS policies in the country. Lets leave unproductive complaints behind and instead FOCUS on more productive solutions towards the goals of 1Malaysia! Regards,

purple haze from Malaysia wroteon Jul 22, 2009 at 10:32

I apologise for posting yet another comment but it is getting difficult to feel "Malaysian" and to ponder what 1Malaysia means to me, these days. Can the board of trustees also educate ex-PM Tun Dr Mahathir in the concept of 1Malaysia (see your own findings in your blog posting) ? In his blog, he seems to be saying that Malaysia should be dominated by a certain ethnic group. Is this correct ? Without trying to put the members of the Board of Trustees in a spot, a simple "yes" or "no" answer will suffice to determine if you feel you can achieve great things with 1Malaysia, since the mainstream media and senior politicians seem to be against this very noble idea.

purple haze from Malaysia wroteon Jul 27, 2009 at 04:55

Malaysia lost one of the greatest champions of 1Malaysia. Rest in Peace, Yasmin Ahmad. Your legacy in film will be remembered by all Malaysians and there are still some of us that share in your dream of just being human beings.

purple haze from Malaysia wroteon Aug 01, 2009 at 16:56

It is sad but interesting to note some one's comment on another blog on the rallies on 1 August ; "Somebody should show Najib pics and videos of the composition of the people on the streets today. People of all races, colors and creed gathering together, standing together, covering and protecting each other all for something they believe in. This is the REAL 1MALAYSIA. "

scottsworld from Australia wroteon Oct 04, 2009 at 07:37

it's great the AirAsia is supporting 1Malaysia, but until the government of Malaysia supports it (in reality, policy, AND practice) it seems doomed. The blatant racism (favouritism) of Malay Malaysians is endemic throughout the country in; education, government service, and sadly in private companies too. Until this is stopped, how can Malaysia really bound ahead in giant steps? The Malays are NOT lazy, and the Indian/Chinese are NOT the cause of hoarding wealth for themselves. My many trips to Malaysia are always tainted by the rampant racism and "us versus them" attitudes there - of the LOCALS, not foreigners. So sad.

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Hi guys. Thanks for stopping by. This is where I plan to share my ideas, thoughts and observations on a variety of topics with anyone who cares to listen. There's just so much to say these days and with new developments in areas of sports such as the 1Lotus team and the ABL and in new ventures of Tune Talk and more to come, stay tuned. Cheers!

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Opinions expressed here and in any corresponding comments are the views and opinions of Tony Fernandes, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the AirAsia and Tune Groups of Companies.

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Opinions expressed here and in any corresponding comments are the views and opinions of Tony Fernandes,
and do not necessarily reflect the views of the AirAsia and Tune Groups of Companies.

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What Does 1Malaysia mean to YOU?

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