AYER HITAM: The Rukun Negara principles should serve as a guide and be embodied in people’s daily lives, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
The MCA president said the national philosophy is not meant to only be recited in school.
“It is very important that the rakyat understand the five principles: Belief in God; Loyalty to King and Country; Supremacy of the Constitution; Rule of Law; and Courtesy and Morality.
“The Rukun Negara is not merely for recital; the true meaning behind the principles should be instilled in all Malaysians,” he said.
The Ayer Hitam MP said these principles should guide people in the modern world.
Honour your country: Dr Wee (second row, centre) waving the Jalur Gemilang while singing along to patriotic songs. Flanking him are Yong Peng assemblyman Ling Tian Soon (left) and Naim Fahmi.
“In school, we usually recited Rukun Negara during assembly. As a former head boy, I led many recitals. Malaysians should understand the true meaning of the principles, adhere to them and embody them in our lives.
“(These principles) keep us in check and guide us to build the country together,” he said after flagging off the Kembara Merdeka Jalur Gemilang convoy at SMK Datuk Menteri here yesterday.
The convoy, which kicked off in Ipoh on July 16, is part of the nationwide National Month celebration to cultivate love for the country, among others.
Covering more than 3,000km, it will go around Malaysia before arriving at Dataran Putrajaya on Aug 31, National Day.
At the event, Dr Wee welcomed the convoy, headed by the Information Department, and handed out mini flags to pupils who then waved their flags enthusiastically as they sang patriotic songs.
Dr Wee later flagged off the convoy as it made its way towards Batu Pahat and Muar.
Johor Information Department director Naim Fahmi Ahmad Tajuddin said the state was the eighth stop for the convoy. He encouraged the pupils to remind their parents to fly the flag to display their love for the country.
