Kangar: The Ministry of National Unity has raised the agenda of building a nation-state as the main focus for the short and long term starting this year. Minister of National Unity Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang emphasized the significance of the nation-state for Malaysia, citing it as the foundation for peace, unity, stability, and harmony within the plural society.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the ministry, collaborating with academic and historical experts, has defined a nation-state as "a sovereign country whose citizens have a national identity and share common values based on the Federal Constitution and the Rukun Negara." Aaron articulated these thoughts during the opening ceremony of the National History Convention 2026: Together Building a Nation-State at Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), officiated by the Raja Muda of Perlis Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail. The event also saw the presence of the Raja Puan Muda of Perlis Tuanku Dr Hajah Lailatul Shahreen Akashah Khalil.
Aaron further mentioned that to ensure the aspirations of the Nation-State reach the populace and gain widespread acceptance, the ministry will continue to conduct several engagement sessions, including roundtable discussions, townhall sessions, and a national conference. He highlighted the importance of organizing the National Conference to produce a National Blueprint, which will serve as a reference for all parties, especially government agencies, in formulating new policies or initiatives.
The Minister of National Unity highlighted Malaysia's majestic standing based on its diversity, with over 200 ethnicities contributing to its rich identity, language, culture, and unique culinary, dance, and music traditions. He noted that while diversity is a key strength that shapes Malaysia on the world stage, managing it requires understanding, respect, and continuous acceptance from all parties to maintain harmony.
"In today's increasingly challenging global reality, involving ideological differences, the influence of social media, identity politics, and the pressures of globalization, nation-building plays a very important role," Aaron said. "It is the basis for uniting the people through a shared national identity, without denying the diversity of races, religions, and cultures."
The two-day convention, which began today, gathered researchers and practitioners of history to share discoveries, views, and scholarly discourse that can enrich the country's historical narrative.