Rukun Negara: A Timeless Pillar Of Malaysian Unity And Identity

By Nurfardlina Izzati Moktar

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 24 (Bernama) -- 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 our national identity and building lasting unity among our country’s diverse communities.

First introduced on Aug 31, 1970, in the aftermath of the tragic May 13, 1969 events, the Rukun Negara’s philosophy remains as relevant today as it was then. It has been deeply ingrained in the hearts and minds of Malaysians, from schoolchildren to adults, across every corner of the country.

However, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Faculty of Language Studies and Human Development (FBI) senior lecturer, Dr Nawi @ Mohd Nawi Ismail, believes that the Rukun Negara should not merely be read and acknowledged as a slogan, but must become a way of life.

"If the Rukun Negara is only read but not understood, it remains just words on paper. But when we live by its values, it transforms us as a society;” he said, adding that living by its values can bridge divides, especially during challenging times when political, racial, religious, and royal (3R) issues often create tension.

In fact,  Nawi points to the Prime Minister's vision of  a MADANI society  as an ideal manifestation of these values, calling it the key to a more harmonious Malaysia.

He said the principles of the Rukun Negara consist of five main pillars: fostering closer unity, upholding democratic values, creating a just society, ensuring a liberal attitude towards cultural traditions, and building a progressive society using modern science and technology.

“The principles of Belief in God, Loyalty to the King and Country, Supremacy of the Constitution, Rule of Law, and Courtesy and Morality are the foundation of national harmony, and if fully practiced, they can prevent extreme provocations on sensitive issues,” he added.

He highlighted that Malaysia’s independence was achieved through negotiations, underscoring the importance of maintaining a patriotic spirit and love for the country to ensure its continued peace and stability.

Although the Rukun Negara principles have been introduced in schools, universities, and government departments, he noted that these efforts are still insufficient in today’s borderless world and digital age.

He recommended strengthening these values through community activities that involve diverse groups, ensuring that students understand and practice the Rukun Negara principles. Additionally, he suggested expanding ethics and civilisation courses through community programmes.

He further explained that the principles of Courtesy and Morality are crucial for shaping civil citizens while mastery of the Malay language should be strengthened among all citizens, regardless of background.

Meanwhile, Dr Ainul Jaria Maidin, former law lecturer at the International Islamic University Malaysia, emphasised that the government must support a holistic understanding of the Rukun Negara by promoting unity through community programmes, religious activities, sports, and cultural events.

She said cooperation with religious and ethnic leaders is essential to ensure that programmes reflect universal values in line with the principles of the Rukun Negara.

Ainul also stressed the importance of formal education and curricula that enhance young people's understanding, supported by widespread awareness campaigns across all media platforms.

Commenting on the Rukun Negara Loyalty Campaign, Ainul said it should not be a seasonal event but must be continuously promoted through television, radio, social media, and other channels to foster patriotism.

Ainul suggested that the campaign should align with the principles of Malaysia MADANI and the goals of the Rukun Negara, while also reminding citizens of their responsibility to combat corruption, cybercrime, and immoral activities that threaten national unity.

She also recommended using infographics in four languages—Malay, English, Chinese, and Tamil, to effectively convey the message to Malaysia’s diverse communities.

-- BERNAMA