Kuala lumpur: Fifty-five years after its declaration, the Rukun Negara remains not just a set of principles but a living, breathing guide for Malaysians. It stands as the cornerstone in forging the national identity and building lasting unity among the country's communities.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Rukun Negara was first introduced on August 31, 1970, following the tragic May 13, 1969 events. Its philosophy continues to be relevant today, deeply ingrained in the hearts and minds of Malaysians, from schoolchildren to adults across the nation.
Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Faculty of Language Studies and Human Development (FBI) senior lecturer, Dr Nawi @ Mohd Nawi Ismail, suggests that the Rukun Negara should be more than just a slogan. He emphasizes the need for it to become a way of life. Nawi argues that understanding and living by its values can bridge divides, especially during challenging times when political, racial, religious, and royal issues often create tension.
Nawi highlights the Prime Minister's vision of a MADANI society as an embodiment of these values, which is seen as key to a harmonious Malaysia. He outlines the Rukun Negara's five main pillars: fostering unity, upholding democratic values, creating a just society, ensuring a liberal attitude towards cultural traditions, and building a progressive society using science and technology.
He further notes that the principles of Belief in God, Loyalty to the King and Country, Supremacy of the Constitution, Rule of Law, and Courtesy and Morality form the foundation of national harmony. If fully practiced, these principles can prevent extreme provocations on sensitive issues.
Nawi underscores the importance of patriotism and love for the country, pointing out that Malaysia's independence was achieved through negotiations. Despite being introduced in educational institutions and government departments, he considers current efforts to instill these values insufficient in today's digital age. He calls for community activities that involve diverse groups to strengthen these values.
Dr Ainul Jaria Maidin, a former law lecturer at the International Islamic University Malaysia, emphasizes the government's role in promoting a holistic understanding of the Rukun Negara. She advocates for unity through community programmes, religious activities, sports, and cultural events, in cooperation with religious and ethnic leaders to reflect universal values.
Ainul stresses the importance of formal education and curricula to enhance young people's understanding, supported by awareness campaigns across media platforms. Commenting on the Rukun Negara Loyalty Campaign, she insists it should be a continuous effort, aligning with the principles of Malaysia MADANI and the goals of the Rukun Negara. She emphasizes the responsibility of citizens to combat threats to national unity.
Ainul also recommends using infographics in Malay, English, Chinese, and Tamil to effectively convey the message to Malaysia's communities.