Kuala lumpur: The Rukun Negara continues to serve as a moral compass for young people as they face the challenges of the digital age, including those surrounding social media and freedom of expression, according to an academician.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Academic Staff Union (MITASA) vice-president and Faculty of Law senior lecturer Dr. Adlan Abdul Razak stated that the Rukun Negara is not just a set of principles to be memorized but should be embraced and applied in daily life, particularly when receiving, evaluating, and sharing information online.

Dr. Adlan highlighted the importance of these principles in shaping young people who can responsibly exercise their freedom of expression, ensuring they do not cross legal boundaries or offend the sensitivities of a multiracial society. He noted that while young people are increasingly aware of platforms to express their views, such as rallies and dialogue, their freedom remains subject to the law.

He emphasized the responsibility of youths to verify information before sharing it, as digital technology has made the production of fake audio, videos, and other content easier. Understanding the principles of the Rule of Law and Supremacy of the Constitution, he said, would help them assess the validity of information and understand the boundaries to observe when using social media.

On the role of educational institutions, Dr. Adlan mentioned that UiTM's Faculty of Law is working to raise legal awareness through its Legal Aid Clinic and related initiatives. These efforts train students to understand the law, enabling them to share legal information with people in their communities when they return home.

MITASA and Bernama will jointly organize 20 Atma Merdeka programmes, with the first focusing on the role of young people and the importance of upholding the Rukun Negara during National Month and Malaysia Day 2026. Dr. Adlan expressed that the collaboration aims to raise public awareness of the significance of independence and the importance of embracing the national spirit.