SEREMBAN: The Rukun Negara should be recited at least once a week at all government premises and regularly at official government functions to further instil the spirit of patriotism among civil servants.
The Jalur Gemilang should also be flown throughout the year at all government premises and not limited to National Day and Malaysia Day celebrations and the national anthem sung at official government functions regularly to foster a sense of pride for the nation.
These are among measures introduced by the Prime Minister's Department and spelt out in a March 17 dated circular signed by Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar and unveiled at the state-level Jelajah Taat Setia Madani event here.
"Civil servants must play an important role in cultivating the practice of patriotism and loyalty which is not only important to improve the quality of public service delivery but also to strengthen national unity, stability and the integrity of public service," he said.
Public sector employees should also be trained to have a better understanding of provisions in the Federal Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land and serves as the foundation for all aspects of government administration and management.
Also present at the event was Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun.
In the circular, Shamsul Azri said civil servants should also be trained to better understand the principles of Rukun Negara to enable them to better carry out their duties in accordance with the provisions of the law and especially in making administrative and policy decisions.
"To strengthen the accountability of civil servants, it is important to continuously and systematically instil the spirit of patriotism and loyalty to the leader, the Ruler and the country among civil servants.
"Courses related to nationhood should also be made one of the mandatory courses that civil servants must attend every year," he said.
Government agencies, he said, are encouraged to organise visits to historical places such as the national museum, national mausoleum and other historical places to increase understanding and appreciation of our heritage.
Also encouraged are programmes on the contributions of historical figures who fought for independence and nation building such as Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra al-Haj and Tun Dr Ismail Abdul Rahman.
Department heads should also organise special courses and workshops for civil servants to better understand the Federal Constitution, including the powers of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the rights of the people, and the roles and responsibilities of government institutions.
He said to further uphold Bahasa Melayu, all official affairs at home and abroad organised by the government such as conferences, conventions and seminars must use the national language.
However, English can still be used in certain circumstances due to legal requirements and also in any matter that may affect the smooth delivery of services.
Official correspondence within and outside the country, whether sent or replied to, must also be in Bahasa Melayu entirely and be accompanied with an English translation if there is no expertise in the mother tongue of the country concerned.
Shamsul Azri said the wearing of ethnic or traditional attire on certain days is also encouraged to promote ethnic diversity, strengthen the sense of belonging and the importance of defending national identity.
Government departments are also encouraged to organise cultural programmes, where civil servants can showcase traditional costumes, local food and culture which reflects the diversity and harmony in Malaysia.
"Activities such as unity forums, cross-cultural programmes and inter-racial dialogues can be organised to increase understanding and appreciation of such diversity," he said.
Civil servants, Shamsul Azri said, are also encouraged to participate in patriotism campaigns organised through platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok.
He said government departments are also encouraged to set up a patriotic gallery or corner to disseminate information on the history, values, national symbols to increase their awareness and knowledge on the matter.
