Campus watch: Support for 1Malaysia in India

2009/08/16

M. K. MEGAN

ABOUT 220 Malaysian students studying at Vinayaka Missions University (VMU) and Penang International Dental College (PIDC) in Salem, South India gathered at a special event recently to pledge their support for the 1Malaysia concept. The special event called 1Malaysia Students Gathering attended by Malaysian medical and dental students in Salem was initiated by the office of VMU pro-chancellor Datuk Dr S. Sharavanan, who is based in Malaysia.

It was presided by VMU chancellor Dr. A. Shanmugasundaram. Guest-of-honour was Consul General of Malaysia for Southern India Anuar Kasman.

The highlight of the evening was a pledge ceremony where all the students undertook to support the 1Malaysia concept advocated by the government of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

The pledge was led by third-year dental student Ahmad Zuhairi Yahya from Kelantan.

Among others, the students pledged to support 1Malaysia to enhance unity in diversity of all Malaysians towards a common future and better tomorrow based on mutual acceptance amongst the races and people in Malaysia.

Foo Sue Ling says there is unity in diversity

In his speech, Anuar explained in detail the 1Malaysia concept to the students including the meaning of People First, Performance Now and the importance placed on Key Performance Indicators in serving the rakyat.

The students were happy they have not been left out of the promotion of 1Malaysia even though they were in a foreign country and were enthusiastic about the prime minister's initiative.

Teh Ji Wi, 21, who is studying Dentistry, says 1Malaysia is something that will further preserve and enhance unity among Malaysians.

"As Malaysians, we should embrace and celebrate our differences towards a greater Malaysia," says Teh, who is from Terengganu.

Dental student Foo Sue Ling, 22, from Perak says: "1Malaysia reminds us to accept that there is unity in diversity. The future of the country should be rooted in solidarity."

"The younger generation should be at the forefront to make sure that 1Malaysia becomes a reality in bringing us all together. I would like to find out more about 1Malaysia and how it can contribute to making Malaysia a better place for everyone," adds Sudarshan Rajah Rajan, 25, from Klang.

Dentistry student Lau Le Na, 22, from Petaling Jaya says 1Malaysia is timely because it is a journey which involves transforming the mindset about how Malaysians look at themselves without distinguishing ethnic and religious differences.

"1Malaysia calls for one people, one dream and one nation. If we continue on this path, I am confident Malaysia will be much stronger.

"There is no doubt that its future should be rooted in unity," says N Arun Kumar from Johor Baru.

Participants of the 1Malaysia Students Gathering in Salem.