Gerakan has urged all quarters to support the 1Malaysia concept advocated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, which aims to foster unity in Malaysians of all races based on inclusiveness & social justice.

Gerakan vice-president Datuk Mah Siew Keong said despite facing odds and barriers, Najib has incessantly pushed for the realization of the concept, which would only bring benefits to the nation and the people.

Agreeing with Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein’s assertion that “whoever is fighting for his own race, the leader is against the 1Malaysia concept”, Mah said unity is still a big challenge for the nation and people.

‘But, we must hold steadfastly to our beliefs that unity can be attained, with a fair, inclusive and democratic form of governance based on equal partnership, mutual respect and understanding,” said Mah. “We agree with Hishammuddin that not all politicians including civil servants have the mindset to support the 1Malaysia concept, as “they believe they are still in comfortable zone.” These people should change their mindset for the good of the nation and the people,” said Mah in a statement. In an interview with Sin Chew Daily, Hishammuddin was frank and forthright to admit that some politicians and civil servants did not support the 1Malaysia concept. Hishammuddin also said there were dissatisfied groups which continued to harp on issues and problems based on racial lines. However, they did not represent the majority views. Mah said Gerakan was committed to a non-racial approach as the basis of its political struggle, be it in politics, economics, education and culture.

“We will never relent in our struggle for a truly Malaysian non-racial approach towards the attainment of a united, democratic and socially just Malaysia, though the forms and modes of struggle can vary according to changing circumstances,” he said.

‘This consistency and steadfastness in our party’s commitment to the non-racial approach are premised on the belief that there is a large section of our society whose political consciousness is Malaysian, and want political representation as Malaysians,” he added.