Media Statement by M. Kula in Parliament on Tuesday, 3^rd November 2009:

Is there 1 Policy under the 1 Malaysia concept - Mr Prime Minister?

In April this year, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib has said that no Malaysian should consider himself a second-class citizen nor feel sidelined or left behind in the nation’s progress.He said under his “1Malaysia” concept, every member of the public who was eligible, in need of help and aid, would be rendered assistance.

Last Sunday Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin reiterated that there is no such thing as a first or second-class citizen in the country and that all citizens have equal rights. He stressed that the government would continue to ensure fairness and equality for all as stated in the Federal Constitution and uphold all the principles of the Rukun Negara.

"No Malaysian should feel neglected as every individual, regardless of race or religion and whether he lives in town or the outskirts, enjoys the same rights and privileges. There is no segregation of race or status here and there is certainly no such thing as a first or second-class citizen," he said at the national-level Deepavali open house at Ladang Siliau near Port Dickson.

Najib and Muhyiddin have uttered very nice words about all citizens being equal in this country. Undoubtedly they will continue to repeat such nice words and assurances on many more occasions.

But the first question that they both should ask themselves is why after Malaysia having achieved our Independence from Britain since 1957, the government leaders still have to make such assurances?

The fact that they still have to make such rhetoric’s simply proves that BN government policies have failed to make all Malaysians feel that they have an equal place under the Malaysian sun.

Surely Najib and Muhyiddin cannot say that they are not aware that many Chinese and Indians do feel that they are like second class citizens in this country because of the discriminatory government policies.

Surely they both know it is such feeling of not being given equal place and opportunities under the Malaysian sun that was a major factor why a political tsunami had taken place in last year's general election, resulting in BN's unprecedented electoral debacle.

Hence, if Najib and Muhyiddin wish to convince all Malaysians they have an equal place under the Malaysia sun, they should not just rely on political rhetoric’s or mere words.

BN government must assure the people with policies and actions. Najib should declare that under his 1 Malaysia concept, there is only 1 Policy where all citizens will be given equal rights, privileges and treatment.

The question is - is there such a 1 Policy under Najib's 1 Malaysia concept?

* M. Kula Segaran, DAP Vice Chairman & MP for Ipoh Barat