position paper no.5

“Counsellors are the key to the success of the 1 Malaysia concepts”

Noor Aspariza Awang
(0819996)

1 Malaysia concept proposed by our prime minister, aimed at preserving and enhancing unity in diversity of the Malaysian people towards a common future and better tomorrow based on 3 core principles; Mutual acceptance amongst the races and people in Malaysia, Nationalism based on principles of the Federal constitution and Rukunegara, and Social justice. This actually the strategy which tries to deals with the racial issues in Malaysia. As we already know, Malaysia is a multiracial country and through this campaign all Malaysian should unites and fulfill the ultimate inspiration of 1 Malaysia. Is this concept can be achieved is a big question because it deal and preparing the nation toward positive perception and unity among races. Realizing or not, counsellor can contributed something in preparing nation toward that unification. Here, I’m see the counsellor roles as a one of the key to open the door of success of 1 Malaysia concept.


As we already know, counsellor plays the role as a liaison between students, teachers and society. Because of that, counsellor can encourage teachers and school administration to involve students to joins their friends of different races when it comes to making a project not just in program handled by counsellor, but also in normal classes. It should be a mixture of three races at least in making a group project/presentation. For example, there should be Chinese, Malay and Indian must be mixed together in a group when it comes to making a successful project. In fact, more recognition should be given to those who can work together in at least 3 different multi-race students like issuing of certificates, bonus marks on students testimonials and even making good publicity for these students involved during school assembly.


Besides that, Counsellor is a professional profession. Counsellor are always not lacking in terms of the ideas toward something positive especially preparing nation building. They can contribute and proposed their ideas to the Ministry of Education in making the races unite and it something to do with the school curriculum. For example, it need for teacher spending their time at least 15 minutes before finishing their teaching talking about unity among races in multicultural country like Malaysia. It seems effective since from that, we can actually instil and involve students in the discussion in the class about ways to strengthen integrity among youngsters nowadays as to prevent conflict among students of different ethnics from. Hence, together with their teachers in the class to promote a non-ethnic based society. This method undeniably does provide peace and harmony among the modern society if it has been implemented.



In realizing the objectives of 1 Malaysia concept, something must we do with people “stigma”. It is because, not all are agreeing, accepting and understanding this concept thoroughly. The concept proposed that we must respect each other, go beyond tolerance and build trust among each other and build trust between various ethnic groups. So Counsellor as a change agent can provide their services in dealing with the changing people stigma and those who has the problem with racial issues and worse those who are “reluctant” to move. Surely, counsellors are able to break it the people “stigma” and change person behaviour toward positive. In fact, counselling session would lead and promoting not only intellectual development but also personal and social development such as can cooperate and accepting each other from difference races. By so doing all the perceived obstacles toward unity among races would disappear.



Some may said that, preparing unity among races is not under counsellor profession because counsellor is only deal with the problematic client only and nothing to do with the issues arise round them especially racial issues. But, this claimed are not true since counsellor is deal and preparing person to be a good nation to the development of country. In fact, developing public awareness regarding the cultural issues and unity is part of the counsellor role because image of the counsellor profession itself is to change people behaviour and most important is their perceptions toward positive ways.


In conclusion, our beloved Prime Minister has sparked revolutionary ideas by introducing 1 Malaysia as the basis of excellence and toward unification and eliminates the gap among races for the future successful nation, it most valuable if Malaysian can stand under one roof , continuously works and realise this great mission. Towards mental health, interpersonal relations, social adjustment, career planning, and work adjustment in realizing this mission the professional commitment of the counselor is vital at promoting the fullest development of each individual toward integration. No more racial disputes means peace and harmony is in our hand. Actually, this 1 Malaysia concept is good since it will prepare a nation that is progressive, excellence, glorious and distinguished as approach in 1 Malaysia.