One man can change the world. We have heard this. Some would hear it and be filled with hope; others may call it mere rhetoric. I am of the former. I believe that one man can change the world. The world may range from the world that’s immediately around that man to the world far beyond him. But the world doesn’t immediately conjure hope. And a man by himself isn’t very hopeful either. The driver for this soaring statement lies in the word ‘Change’. Consider this statement: One man can maintain the status quo in the world. Or one man can keep the world. Or even one man can improve the world. Even the most hopeful individual would be hard-pressed to feel anything with these statements. It is change that brings hope. It is the promise of change that brings the weight of hope to that one man. The power of one is manifested and realized when one seeks change.
The power of 1 is what Malaysia is faced with today. 1Malaysia. Created by Prime Minister Najib Razak by his own claim and owned by Barisan Nasional, as the logo is seen in everything and anything remotely connected to the ruling coalition. But there’s where the problem lies isn’t it? A concept that is meant to portray unity and foster a nation of one people yet is claimed by one man and used exclusively by one political coalition. That’s the first contradiction.
1Malaysia places the one before Malaysia. It seems to indicate an intrinsic belief in the power of one. One man can change the world. One man can change Malaysia. As we have discovered, hope emanates and rests on the one seeking change. Does 1Malaysia foster change, empowers change, encourages one to change and rewards change? Change must affect all levels and spheres of Malaysia, top-down, bottom-up, left, right, and centre. Therefore, the make-or-break test for 1Malaysia has to be this: will it promote political change? Will it help Malaysia move from a dominant party system to a two or multi-party system? That is fundamental change in the political sphere of Malaysia, fundamental and absolutely necessary. Going back to the first contradiction, the fact that 1Malaysia is coupled so very closely with Barisan Nasional helps provide the answer to this make-or-break test: Break. And there we have the second contradiction. If a fundamental political change is not envisioned, then it’s not about one man changing the world. It’s more about one man or one coalition maintaining the status quo and maybe some improvements. I want to be hopeful that one man can change Malaysia. I want my nation to experience the power of one to bring change. 1Malaysia does not help in bringing about this much needed hope and power because it robs the possibility of change at the highest levels from us. I need change more than I need 1. With the prospect of change, there will be hope and there will be power. And only then the one will be empowered.
The Micah Mandate is a Christian-based public interest advocacy ministry that seeks a transformation of our nation through justice, mercy and humility.
December 30th, 2010 at 9:19 pm
At the way things are going in Malaysia, the initiator for 1Malaysia spells no hope but a lot of contradictions to what is theoretically good in the slogan.
So the power of one can be dangerous if that one sits in highest position of power that is wielded without benevolent and altruistic intentions for the ones subordinate especially the common rakyat.
The power for change can only come from the people with sufficient numbers united enough to vote for change. From injustice to justice, lies and cover-ups replaced by truth; from greed and corruption to transparency, accountability and responsible stewardship, from sowing dischord to desire for peace and harmony, from nurturing a culture of poor self-esteem to a culture of honest, hard work to attain excellence instead of short cuts and crying for crutches when not crippled but healthy and capable; change from mediocrity and sloth to meritocracy and diligence, unfairness to equality…et al.
I think the Almighty is listening to see what we as rakyat really hanker for, and do we care enough to act passionately for change, bearing in mind, silence and apathy in the face of a lot of what’s displeasing in His eyes = abetment.