POSITION PAPER 5 by Nurul Farhana Sulong (0724700)

Counselors are the key to the success of the 1Malaysia concept.

Biodiversity of culture, race, ethnic and belief in Malaysia has inspired the 1Malaysia concept by Prime Minister, YAB Dato’ Sri Mohd.Najib Tun Abdul Razak as a way to integrate Malaysians. What is 1Malaysia concept actually? As defined by Prime Minister, “we stand, we think and we act as Malaysian. One people. We take all actions based on ethnics and races wants and needs in our country”. From this quote, we may define that people from variety of races and beliefs need to think for the others, not only think for their own cultures and ethnics. In addition, the leader also needs to fulfill people’s rights regardless of their races and ethnics in Malaysia in order to achieve 1Malaysia concept. So, here I strongly agree that counselors are the key to the success of the 1Malaysia concept because counselors close to the society and leaders as well as counselors know the suitable approach in order to implement the 1Malaysia concept.

Firstly, counselors are the key to the success of the 1Malaysia concept since they are close to the society and leaders. From this aspect, I could say that the counselors are the key indicator because they may be the bridge between the society and the leaders in terms of delivering the thoughts, ideas, and feelings. Why I said so? It is the counselors’ job scope in shaping the understanding for both parties in order to have harmonious administration for the country. Hence, in small scope such as in schools, counselors should play their roles to build mutual understanding among the schools society which is among students, teachers, and administrations. In fact, the relationship between the teachers and parents as well especially for the parents those come from different ethnics, races, and beliefs in coping with each others.

Secondly, it is because the counselors know the suitable approach to implement the 1Malaysia concept properly especially for those who are major in multicultural counseling. They should apply all the knowledge they have learned to provide successfulness in 1Malaysia concept. The acceptance of the others in one community should be primary goal in developing 1Malaysia concept. Without that entire acceptance, 1Malaysia concept will be collapsed since they are no cooperation among the society, and leaders. As a result, Malaysia will be developed in chaos and it will give troubles to all. Here, it clearly can be seen that counselors’ roles is needed in approaching the concept. Counselors can imply a program that combine all the elements and principles which are primary sources for developing 1Malaysia concept especially in schools. Such programs should be developed from the bottom, so it will be the compulsory elements for all students and teachers within themselves like Malay proverb, “melentur buluh biarlah dari rebungnya”.

Some may say that counselors are no need in 1Malaysia concept since it is government policy. They believe that the leaders themselves should play their roles and jobs in order to achieve what they expect. In fact, that is their responsibility in building and shaping the country as the best as they can. However, it is believed that all the parties should play the roles as the community in order to build one successful nation. Educators, elderly, leaders, youngsters, counselors, and etc should cooperate with each other in order to develop the future generation that is meeting to the 1Malaysia concept. Early education regarding on this matter should be stressed and focused especially for the adolescents’ students since they are leaders-to-be.

In conclusion, I could say that counselors are the key to the success of the 1Malaysia concept but with the helps of the others. Everybody’s roles especially in multiracial country like Malaysia are needed in order to build integration among the people. Therefore, all Malaysians have to apply the 1Malaysia concept which is togetherness and sense of belonging as a way to achieve the principles of it. In fact, from Islamic point of view also encourage that all people should integrate and know each other regardless of their races, ethnics, and beliefs as long as they do the right things and respect the others.