Malaysia is filled with multiracial, religious and cultural communities. These include Malays, Chinese, Indians, and other indigenous Bumiputra groups and among the main religions are Islam, Christian, Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, Tao and Bahai. To unite all of this different ethnic group and religion can be daunting and challenging. However, the existence of Rukun Negara is set to create harmonious ties between the races which in return it will strengthen the sovereignty and development of the nation.
Rukun Negara was declared on August 31, 1970 in conjunction with the 13th Independence Day celebration. It was introduced following the May 13, 1969 incident that weakened the unity among the races in Malaysia. The purpose behind the formulation of the Rukun Negara was to shape strong and lasting unity between the different races in Malaysia. The principles found in it are clearly the key ingredient for national and racial harmony and unity hence ensuring success and stability for the country.
I vividly remember chanting the Rukun Negara, every Monday morning during school assemblies. The diligent recitation has etched the five principles in my memory. Each citizen must understand, believe and practice the principles of the Rukun Negara because it builds and contributes to our nations’ solidarity and integration among the multi ethnicity of people Malaysia.
The Rukun Negara consists of five basic principles which are supposed to be upheld by all Malaysians. The principles were developed in such a way that they cut across ethnic boundaries and could be identified by all Malaysians regardless of racial background. The introduction of Rukun Negara was a strategic move by the government to inculcate the feeling of togetherness and ensure racial unity. Rukun Negara is seen as a vital tool which could be utilized to promote cohesiveness between the various ethnicity in Malaysia.
The first national principle of Malaysia is to Belief in God (Kepercayaan Kepada Tuhan). Even though Islam is the official religion but other religions and faiths can be practised in peace and harmony and the act of discriminating a citizen in the name of a religion is forbidden. Furthermore, there is no religion that teaches its followers to be immoral. Religion forms a noble personality and religious holds bring goodness. Goodness is a universal value accepted by all religions that encourage its adherents to do good deeds that benefit all human beings without regard to background and heredity. When believers of different religions practice the noble values contained in their respective religious teachings, they can certainly form individuals who are physically fit, emotionally, spiritually and intellectually. With a true grip and practice of religious teachings, the values of simplicity, low self-esteem, loyalty and empathy outlined in each religious teaching are a start for Malaysian to follow the other four principles of Rukun Negara.
The second principle is Loyalty to the King and the State (Kesetiaan Kepada Raja dan Negara) as Malaysia is a Country which practises constitutional monarchy and His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is the Head of a Sovereign Country. The monarchy system is in line with the status of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong as a Constitutional Ruler, whereby Their Royal Highnesses the Kings are the heads of their respective states. Loyalty is demanded from the citizens through sincere devotion. Loyalty is the soul of the nation. Sincere loyalty towards the Rulers and the nation is that which unites various races into an integrated Nation.
Followed by, Supremacy of the Constitution (Keluhuran Perlembagaan). The constitution constitutes an essential basis for ensuring justice, cooperation, consensus and mutual interest between the Federal Government and the State Government. The constitution guarantees the fundamental rights, freedom of the people and social justice for all races in the country. Every citizen has the same status in law.
Subsequently, Sovereignty of the Law (Kedaulatan Undang-Undang). Each country has the law to regulate and create a peaceful, stable, and prosperous society. The rule of law ensure that every citizen is of equal status in the country without any racial, gender or social discrimination. Therefore, justice is an important element in enforcing the rule of law. The body to uphold the rule of law is also guaranteed by an independent and credible judiciary. This is important to ensure the fundamental freedom of all Malaysian citizens.
Lastly, Courtesy and Morality, (Kesopanan dan Kesusilaan). Being courteous carries a high degree of morality in our individual and public lives. Every citizen should know to respect others by controlling themselves from raising sensitive questions to a particular ethnic group concerned, his origins, his or her language, culture, beliefs and religion. This Principal must be the guide of the whole society so that the behavior of society is always preserved. Individuals who are courteous and have moral are most meaningful and important in the context of relationships with each other in the multi-racial society of the country. Later, which will help create a harmonious society.
The practice of these principles will help shape the united and compassionate people of unity, also, create a community of good understanding among the races.
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