GRIP Strengthens Unity, Cross-cultural Understanding Among Younger Generation

KOTA KINABALU, Aug 22 (Bernama) -- The Unity Integration Movement (GRIP) programme continues to be strengthened as a platform to build understanding, strengthen cross-cultural relations and instil a spirit of nationhood among the younger generation.

National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said the programme focuses on three main clusters: the Nationhood Cluster, the Culture and Customs Cluster and the Noble Values Cluster: Civic and Moral.

"GRIP is implemented as one of the platforms to foster understanding, strengthen cross-cultural relations, instil a spirit of nationhood and shape a younger generation that has a sense of awareness and responsibility towards national unity,” he said.

He said this in his speech at the closing ceremony of the 2026 National-Level Unity Integration Movement (GRIP) programme at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Sabah Branch here tonight.

His speech was read out by Ministry of National Unity deputy secretary-general (Policy and Strategic Planning) Mohamad Sobri Mat Daud.

Aaron said the 2026 National-Level GRIP, held from Aug 20-23, brought together 200 secondary school students from various ethnicities and backgrounds representing the entire country.

He said the Nationhood Cluster helped students understand their identity as Malaysians, with emphasis on the Rukun Negara, the Federal Constitution, the history of Malaysia's formation, national identity and their rights and responsibilities as citizens.

"The Culture and Customs Cluster helps students understand who our friends are. Through the arts, clothing, food, heritage, games and cultural performances, participants are given the opportunity to learn about and appreciate the uniqueness of Malaysian society,” he said.

The Noble Values Cluster, meanwhile, will shape how the younger generation acts and lives together by emphasising responsibility, empathy, polite communication, concern, cooperation and civic values ​​in school and community life.

Aaron said that throughout this year, the GRIP series involved primary and secondary school students through the programme's implementation in Sabah, Kedah, Johor, Terengganu, Selangor and Sarawak.

"Each series provides participants from diverse backgrounds with opportunities to learn, interact and build relationships through shared experiences,” he said.

He said the Ministry of National Unity would expand the implementation of GRIP next year through GRIP @ Prasekolah, GRIP @ Murid dan GRIP @ Komuniti.

"This approach enables the values of unity to be instilled from an early age, strengthened among students and subsequently extended to the community, including community leaders of various ethnicities and religions. All these efforts are in line with the mandate of the Ministry of National Unity under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP),” he added.

At the event, the Ministry of National Unity, through the Department of National Unity and Integration (JPNIN), also launched the GRIP Student Implementation Guidebook as an official reference for school administrators, teachers and facilitators nationwide.

-- BERNAMA