Unity picture, (from left) Perethiga a/p Shanker,16, Nurul Insana Sabudin,29, and Caexyn Boey,16, posing infront of Malaysia flag. Story on special interview with Unity Minister on the Rukun Negara. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star
PETALING JAYA: National unity is a continuous journey requiring the participation of all Malaysians and the Rukun Negara remains the fundamental principle in guiding the country towards a more harmonious society.
National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang (pic) said as the country celebrates National Day, all Malaysians are encouraged to engage in meaningful conversations, participate in community activities and actively contribute to the spirit of unity.
“Our strength lies in our diversity, and it is through understanding and collaboration that we can build a brighter and more inclusive future for all,” he said.
Aaron Ago said the Rukun Negara, which contains five tenets, embodies the core values of Malaysia such as justice, democracy and respect for the rule of law.
“By upholding these principles, we foster a sense of national identity and unity.
“We believe that by reinforcing these principles, we can build a more cohesive society where everyone is committed to the shared values of respect and cooperation,” he told The Star.
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Aaron Ago said the ministry is also actively promoting the recitation of the Rukun Negara in schools, workplaces and public events to ensure its values are ingrained in the daily lives of Malaysians.
This includes the Cabinet’s approved proposal last year, to have the full recitation of the Rukun Negara pledge, starting with the preamble and followed by the five principles at official government programmes, school assemblies and higher education institutions.
To further enhance appreciation and understanding of the Rukun Negara, Aaron Ago said a Rukun Negara Exploration initiative was also launched by the ministry.
“The aspiration of this programme is to deepen appreciation for the Rukun Negara as a unifying force for Malaysians,” he said, adding that other related programmes were also launched in line with this objective.
The minister said values of unity and community life embodied in the Rukun Negara are introduced to children as young as four to six years-old at the 1,781 Tabika Perpaduan and 41 Taska Perpaduan nationwide.
“Rukun Negara module activities are included in the teaching and learning programmes there to sow the seeds of unity at an early stage, ensuring the values are deeply rooted and cultivated in daily life,” he said.
He added that the National Unity Ministry is also cooperating with the Education and Higher Education ministries to foster a deeper understanding of the Rukun Negara in schools through Rukun Negara clubs.
The Rukun Negara, the national philosophy in fostering the spirit of unity among multiracial Malaysians, came about after Malaysia faced its darkest episode on May 13, 1969.
The five principles in Rukun Negara are as follows: Belief in God; Loyalty to King and Country; Supremacy of the Constitution; Rule of Law; and Good Behaviour and Morality.
Separately, Aaron Ago said the ministry is actively working to strengthen relations, adding that more than 110 programmes have also been carried out as of June this year.
This includes the Unity Week celebrations, launch of the Madani Harmony initiative and various interfaith dialogues.
An additional 80 programmes have also been lined up for implementation between July and September.
