National Unity Remains A Key Priority Of National Security Council

TUMPAT, June 6 (Bernama) -- National unity remains a key priority of the National Security Council (MKN), said its Director-General Datuk Raja Nushirwan Zainal Abidin.

He said national unity is the third of the nine pillars outlined in the National Security Policy and is among the most important elements in ensuring that the country's sovereignty and stability continue to be safeguarded.

“The formula for unity in a country with a plural society such as Malaysia lies in the willingness of people of different races to understand one another, practise tolerance, embrace diversity and respect the social contract founded on the Federal Constitution,” he said when officiating a National Unity Programme here today.

Regarding the programme, he said it was organised to further promote the spirit of togetherness and strengthen unity among Malaysia’s multiracial communities as a foundation for enhancing national security.

Raja Nushirwan said the programme is in line with the aspirations of Malaysia MADANI, which emphasises holistic national development based on the spirit of unity among people of various ethnic backgrounds.

“The unity of the people, as well as national stability and security, must always remain a priority, especially at a time when the world is facing numerous challenges, including economic uncertainty and international conflicts,” he said.

Meanwhile, he said the National Security Policy slogan, “National Security is a Shared Responsibility”, requires the active participation of all segments of society and should not place the responsibility solely on the shoulders of security forces and enforcement agencies in safeguarding the nation’s security and sovereignty.

Meanwhile, Raja Nushirwan  said the Federal Government and the Kelantan Government are studying various economic initiatives to assist local communities affected by the demolition of illegal jetties along the Kelantan-Thailand border.

He said the matter will be among the main agenda items to be discussed at the State Security Meeting scheduled to be held at the Kelantan State Secretary’s Office tomorrow.

According to him, the government is taking seriously the needs of residents affected by the enforcement action while at the same time ensuring that border security and the well-being of local communities continue to be safeguarded.

“The Federal Government and the State Government are placing emphasis on development aspects, particularly in creating alternative economic activities for the affected local communities.

“We must be fair to those who live there and we are taking this issue seriously. That is why it will be one of the key agenda items to be discussed in depth at tomorrow’s meeting,” he said.

Commenting on action against illegal jetties, Raja Nushirwan said the Federal Government, in cooperation with the Kelantan Government, continues to emphasise efforts to demolish the structures, which are regarded as a threat to national security, particularly due to their association with fuel smuggling activities.

He said the current uncertain geopolitical environment requires the government to take firmer measures to ensure smuggling activities can be effectively curbed.

Raja Nushirwan said that as of April 29, a total of 91 illegal structured jetties built on government land had been demolished out of the 213 jetties identified.

-- BERNAMA