Rukun Negara in word and deed
KUALA LUMPUR: Come Aug 31, Rukun Negara, the precept which serves to bind Malaysians together, will be 49 years old.
Launched on Aug 31, 1970, following the racial riots of May 13, 1969, it serves to instill harmony and unity among the various ethnicities in Malaysia, and comprises the five principles: Kepercayaan kepada Tuhan (Belief in God); Kesetiaan kepada Raja dan Negara (Loyalty to King and Country); Keluhuran Perlembagaan (Upholding the Constitution); Kedaulatan Undang-Undang (Rule of Law); and Kesopanan dan Kesusilaan (Good Behaviour and Morality).
With National Day around the corner, Malaysian Community Care Foundation (MCCF) chairman Halim Ishak is urging all parties, particularly politicians and personalities, to return to the principles of the Rukun Negara in order to prevent the destruction of the country’s unity and harmony.
Referring to the recent incident of the Jalur Gemilang (national flag) being unintentionally hoisted upside down, which certain parties had sought to sensationalise with unfounded statements, he said such actions were irresponsible and served as a lesson to all.
“The actions and statements of politicians and personalities are observed by the public. Apologising for actions cannot undo the damage caused. They should think before they act or say something,” he told Bernama.
Halim also stressed the importance of intensifying the teaching of civics and history in schools as this would establish a sense of identity and love for the country among Malaysians from a young age.
“Science and technology are important to the development of the nation but those who understand history and possess civic consciousness will not waiver in their loyalty to the country,” he said.
Sharing these sentiments, National Unity and Integration Department director (social unity and national integration) Mohd Khalil Ahmad said the Rukun Negara is not just meant to be memorised but understood and practised in order to ensure that society functions in accordance with its principles.
He explained that the precept provided for all aspects of life and this included the fact that “from the perspective of religion, although Islam is the official religion of the country, other religions can be practised freely by other worshippers.
“We also have a constitution that not only points to the special status of the Malays but also the special status of other races,” he explained, adding that if each and every Malaysian truly abides by the principles of the Rukun Negara, problems such as threats faced by a particular race or sensitivities relating to religion, language and culture will not occur.
