INTERVIEW Since the term 1Malaysia entered the Malaysian lexicon two years ago, it has become the subject of much praise, discussion and sometimes harsh ridicule.

The brainchild of Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, 1Malaysia has won its share of supporters who lauded the term as a rallying cry for unity among diverse ethnic groups.

But critics call it an empty slogan as government policies and politics along racial lines remain unchanged and divisions seem perhaps even more pronounced now.