Crab

On Thursday, the Information Ministry declared it wanted to go on a mission to explain the 1Malaysia concept to the people. It would be better to explain the concept first to the mass media groups in the country which are always seen as undiminishingly pro-BN and pro-government. To 'explain' the concept to the people but not to the mainstream mass media would be like a mother crab trying to tell her baby crabs to walk straight. Many of the mainstream mass media, whether the print or electronic media in the country are unabashedly pro-BN. The most glaring of them are the Utusan group and the TV stations like TV3. There is no point in trying to force the 1Malaysia concept down the throats of the people if the people are able to realise that there is selective targeting involved. The mission would not succeed. Just think of the fate of previous similar missions. The PM has taken the courage to state his stand that the country under his guidance would not continue past practices that allowed the country to be divided into ethnic silos. His message should be drummed home to the media moguls ruling the throne in groups like Utusan and TV3 which are famous for their narrow and racially-retarded views and outlook. These groups are known for their vicious attacks on minority politicians and for prominently disseminating news items that were likely to be able to arouse emotions against certain ethnic groups in the country. The government must ensure that the 1Malaysia concept also takes into account the people's desire for a clean, efficient and fair administration. It is not just everybody working together for somebody. The 1Malaysia concept must also include the need for all our politicians to stop seeing and analysing things from the race angle. Minimise the need to state this or that along racial compositions or highlighting community-based preferences. The TV stations should avoid broadcasting those politicians or personalities who like to stress on the 'r' word, and avoid overplaying sensitive issues or giving undue attention to controversial subjects. A case in point is the not-so-recent episode involving the proposed integrated pig farming project in Selangor. The item was given prominent and very unfair play in the electronic media over a period of many days. The whole episode was done in a very bad and vicious manner. The people are not anti-BN as proved in previous gen elections before the one in March 2008. What the people want from the BN is efficiency, trust and responsibility. All these were missing when Abdullah was the PM. Crime, polarisation, inflation, and corruption was running rampant under him. Worse, he thought he was capable of doing no wrong and allowed the extremist elements to hold centre stage. Biting remarks were unleashed against minority leaders yet the government failed when it came to the crucial situations. The cost of living went up and so did the

cost of sending children to school. Meanwhile the agencies that brought in foreign labour by the planeloads and shiploads were doing a roaring trade and the local people were getting elbowed aside in the job market. The country was as divisive as ever. If the people have suddenly lost their appetite to support the BN right now, please don't fault them. It was the fault of the post-Mahathir BN administration. The 1Malaysia concept by Najib is a very noble one but its implementation and how well it's going to be carried out is still to be seen. The Information Ministry has to be extra careful from now on. Get the PM's advice if there are grey areas or uncertainties. Don't do any slip-ups !!!