Oratory encourages rational and polite debate

MELAKA, Sept 8 -- Technology development and freedom of speech in this country is not a ticket for the people and leaders to radically criticise and argue about issues of nationhood, especially those that touch on the Federal Constitution and Rukun Negara.

Head of the Heritage and Civilisation Cluster of Universiti Islam Malaysia Tan Sri Prof Dr Abdul Latiff Abu Bakar said the people could give their views or opinions on an issue but it should be expressed rationally, politely and not touch the sensitivity of any party by practising the spirit of oratory.

He said oratory taught people to argue or debate about certain issues with a polite language without being overwhelmed with emotion.

"The spirit of the actual oratory is not what we see in Parliament where political leaders shouting and arguing without respecting each other.

"Therefore, the spirit of oratory should be inculcated among the younger generation in the country by organising more oratory competitions at the school and institutions of higher learning level or open to all citizens of this country," he told Bernama here.

Commenting further, Abdul Latiff who is the jury committee chairman of the Yang Dipertua Negeri of Melaka Rukun Negara Oratory Competition (PPRN) said the contest would foster better understanding among the people especially the participants on the five principles of Rukun Negara which are important elements to achieve stronger unity among the people.

He said the competition was capable of translating Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s vision of the Malaysian Family into reality.

"The vision of the Malaysian Family that we want to see in the future is not something lack of direction   but is guided by the principles of Rukun Negara.

"Appreciation of the principles of Rukun Negara is the foundation that binds the unity of the people and mutual respect between races," he said.

Abdul Latiff said it would also help create a generation of people prepared to safeguard the sovereignty of the country.

Themed ‘Rukun Negara as a Principle of Unity for the Success and Stability of the People’, the national-level contest is organised by the office of the Yang Dipertua Negeri of Melaka in collaboration with the state government and the National Unity Ministry and is offering cash prizes ranging from RM300 to RM5,000 and various other attractive prizes.

It is divided into five categories namely primary school, secondary school, institutions of higher learning, public and non-Malay.

Almost 1,000 participation were received with the vetting held from Aug 9 to 13, semifinals on Aug 16 and 17, and the final slated for Sept 16 in conjunction with the Malaysia Day celebrations.

Due to the pandemic, each participant was required to submit a 10-minute oratory video which will be judged by about 25 professional juries.

-- BERNAMA