People of the Iban ethnic group donning their colourful traditional attire at the ‘Rumah Panjang’ during the National Unity Week in May this year. — THOMAS YONG/The Star
The National Unity Ministry introduces over 300 programmes this year to foster unity and harmony among Malaysians of diverse backgrounds
AS 2024 draws to a close, the National Unity Ministry looks back at the achievements for the year as it continues to nurture unity amidst diversity.
Through the National Unity Policy (DPN), and guided by the Federal Constitution and Rukun Negara, the Ministry has been charting a transformative path to strengthen the bonds that define Malaysia’s multicultural identity.
Programmes and initiatives, through the theme “Cultivating Unity, Celebrating Diversity”, have been designed to celebrate the beauty of the country’s melting pot of cultures.
“This year’s initiatives were designed to achieve three primary objectives outlined in the DPN - which is to strengthen unity and national integration, foster a shared national identity, and nurture Malaysians who value and practice unity,” said Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang.
National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said over 300 high-impact programmes were organised in 2024. — LOW BOON TAT/The Star
To realise these goals, the Ministry adopted five strategic approaches: empowering unity mechanisms, instilling appreciation for the Rukun Negara, promoting heritage and culture, nurturing student volunteer leaders, and enhancing religious harmony.
These efforts have translated to over 300 high-impact programmes that have captivated communities, championing themes like Komuniti Rahmah (Rahmah Community), Semarak Perpaduan (Unity Spirit) and Semarak Kenegaraan (National Spirit).
National Unity Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Hasnol Zam Zam Ahmad (centre) officiating the 2024 International Malay Manuscript Conference.
Strengthening communities
The Rahmah Community initiatives are sparking a new wave of grassroots empowerment, laying the foundation for thriving, self-reliant neighbourhoods.
At the forefront of this transformation are 152 Progressive Rukun Tetangga Committees (KRT), bolstered by financial aid, expert guidance, and hands-on training from the Ministry.
Safety also stands as a key pillar of the Rahmah vision, with the Voluntary Patrol Scheme (SRS) dedicating RM 3.24mil to enhance community security.
A total of 119 KRTs have since benefitted from the upgraded facilities and new patrol cabins.
Various programmes were organised under the Friends of Unity initiative to promote unity at community, district, and state levels.
The Rahmah programme also encompasses conflict resolution, empowering 571 certified mediators to offer free services to residents, in addition to newly launched Community Mediation Centres (PMK) in areas like Putrajaya and Alor Gajah, Melaka.
Additionally, the Unity for Children initiative, with a RM 30mil investment, saw 1,800 Unity preschools and daycare centres nationwide being equipped with essential resources, personal accident insurance, and internet connectivity.
The Tunku Abdul Rahman Scholarships have supported 29 students in their higher education pursuits, embodying the Ministry’s commitment to empowering the next generation.
Unity in diversity
The Ministry’s 2024 programmes paint a vivid tapestry of togetherness. The National Unity Week celebration, held in Johor Baru this May, was a vibrant showcase of Malaysia’s rich cultural diversity, featuring ethnic house displays, traditional dances, and heritage displays.
Meanwhile, the Unity Sports League Carnival exhibited the power of sport to unite, with over 23,000 participants competing in netball, badminton, and futsal.
April saw the launch of the Madani Harmony Initiatiave to promote understanding, respect and acceptance through engaging events like Harmony Dialogues, Podcast Harmony, Harmony Documentary, World Interfaith Harmony Week and World Tolerance Day celebrations.
The Unity Ministry has surpassed its initial target, increasing the number of Progressive Rukun Tetangga (KRT) units from 116 to 152 this year.
Youth empowerment took centre stage through the Student Volunteer Mission, addressing key themes like education, digital transformation, and climate resilience.The Citra Nusa Museum Programme, on the other hand, featured groundbreaking events focusing on heritage, including a Malaysia Book Of Records-certified digital library exhibit on a train in Sabah.
Literacy emerged as a powerful force for unity during the National Reading Carnival, while the FoodUnites programme highlighted Malaysia’s diverse culinary heritage as a catalyst for racial harmony.
Partnerships and collaborations didn’t go amiss. The Ministry’s Friends of Unity initiative saw non-governmental organisations (NGOs) joining forces to bring impactful, unity-driven projects to life.
Nurturing national identity
The National Unity Ministry also intensified its efforts to deepen Malaysians’ connection with the principles of the Rukun Negara, fostering a stronger sense of shared identity and national harmony.
Through initiatives like the Unity Debate for the Minister’s Cup, the inaugural Rukun Negara Pledge at Parliament, and exploration programmes, the Ministry has kept this national philosophy alive and relevant.
With RM3,000 grants fueling 189 Rukun Negara Secretariats, and activities like mural competitions and the Malaysian Children Unity Camp, the Ministry is fostering a culture of understanding, respect, and national pride from classrooms to communities.
Language, the thread that binds communities together, was another highlight. Since 2023, the Ministry has held 11 sessions of colloquial language talks, highlighting the unifying power of local dialects among Malaysians.
The National Colloquial Language Convention 2024 upped the ante, documenting and preserving these linguistic treasures for future generations. By safeguarding the diversity of colloquial languages, the Ministry is ensuring that the rich tapestry of Malaysia’s cultural heritage remains vibrant and accessible.
Honouring the legacy of national leaders, the Ministry’s Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj and Tun Jugah Tribute Programme brought history to life for younger generations.
Meanwhile, seven museum- centric festivities, including the National Automobile Museum Festivities and Kota Kayang Museum Festivities, have redefined museums as engaging cultural hubs.
These initiatives encourage Malaysians to explore and celebrate the nation’s rich history, bridging the past with the present to foster a sense of deeper appreciation within the younger generation.
In a scholarly nod to Malaysia’s heritage, the 2024 Malay Manuscript Conference unveiled an e-annotated bibliography of 112 Malay medical manuscripts, preserving ancient wisdom in a modern flipbook format.
Complementing this, the National History and Unity Convention, through its theme “Tracing History: Building National Unity” proposed a National Historians Council to highlight the Ministry’s commitment in uniting Malaysians through a shared understanding of their past.
The National Unity Ministry continues to build a strong foundation for a harmonious future by fostering grassroots connections, celebrating shared heritage, and empowering the next generation. As Malaysia looks forward, the achievements of 2024 by the Ministry serve as a testament to the nation’s unwavering commitment to unity, respect, and diversity. These efforts collectively shape a Malaysia that is not only united but also enriched by its vibrant, diverse people.
