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The proud moment when Malaysia gained
its independence |
The seed of national unity
must be sown among the young. They, above all others, must be taught and convinced
of the benefits of peaceful coexistence, said Dato Seri Abdullah Haji
Ahmad Badawi, Prime Minister of Malaysia, at the 2004 Asia Media Summit with the
theme The Challenges of Multireligious, Multiethnic and Multicultural Societies.
Diversity in race, religion and culture is certainly in abundance in Malaysia,
a country that has fought hard for its independence and right to govern itself.
Malaysia will be celebrating its 48 th independence this year, almost half a century
of nurturing a growing diverse population and building a strong economy. Diversity
is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, there is the wonder of a colourful kaleidoscope
of human diversity, but on the other hand, the differences in human diversity
could create tension and disharmony. A peek into the history books would reveal
stories of how societies and government seek to address and manage this profound
diversity.
Malaysia is truly a melting pot, expressed Dato Seri Abdullah
Haji Ahmad Badawi. There are about 60 ethnic groups, large and small, in Malaysia.
The Malays consist of 54% of the population, while the Chinese 25%, the Indians
8% and other indigenous groups 12%. Major religions comprise of Islam, Buddhism,
Christianity and Hinduism, with a potpourri and confluence of major Asian cultures,
namely, Malay, Chinese and Indian, weaving through the heart of the country. It
is doubly important to build racial harmony in diversity for without harmony,
the nation would be at risk of economic depletion, poor standard of living and
erosion of health of the people.
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| The Rukun Negara |
"Each nation must
choose the path that suits it best," advised the Prime Minister. For Malaysia,
national unity plays a significant role in the country's development plan. One
of the core measures taken by the government to create a cohesive and flourishing
multicultural society is education. Several fundamental goals have been identified
in the education process, such as:
Fostering a common national consciousness as Malaysians that transcends
ethnic, religious and parochial identities without in any way undermining them.
Inculcating values, attitudes and behaviors that support a healthy ulticultural
society, which include mutual understanding, mutual respect, regard for the fundamental
rights of all, moderation, and peaceful and democratic approaches towards resolving
differences.
Promoting interethnic and inter-religious harmony through socialization.
The restrained and responsible use of security measures to ensure healthy
relations among the various communities.
Considering the importance of education as a mechanism for national development
and national unity in view of the country's diverse and plural societies, communities
are encouraged to form or join neighborhood committees, while schools and universities
are urged to set up unity clubs. These neighborhood committees and unity clubs
are known as Rukun Tetangga and Rukun Negara clubs. Both are under the purview
of the Department of National Unity and Integration of the Prime Ministers
Department.
Rukun Tetangga
A major arm of the Department of National Unity and Integration, Rukun Tetangga
was formed on the basis of the Essential Regulations Rukun Tetangga 1975. It is
charged with two purposes:
1. As an instrument and grassroots organization to organize activities and formulate
programmes to unify people through interactions or through activities that promote
interaction, and thus build tolerance, common understanding and unity.
2. As a security measure to assist the government in ensuring peace and harmony
at the grassroots level is maintained.
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| Gotong Royong is one of the activities of Rukun Tetangga |
Under the Essential Regulations,
Rukun Tetangga is bestowed with police power when it does patrolling. There are
four major arms under Rukun Tetangga catering for different age and gender groups
Tunas Jiran for those 15 years and below, Jiran Muda for the youths and
young teenagers, Jiran Wanita for women, and Usia Mas for the senior citizens.
The focus of the department has grown and evolved over the years. In the 1980s,
it was more concerned about neighborliness, but since the 1990s the focus
has shifted to national unity and social interaction. National unity and integration
remains a critical element today but the activities of the department have now
expanded to include aspects of community empowerment and instilling patriotism.
Community empowerment and patriotism are achieved through various channels
providing access to computer and internet facilities for the young, opportunities
for economic activities through sale of handicrafts for the women, a place to
socialize for the seniors, and field trips for students or non-governmental organizations
(NGOs) between Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak. At present there are more
than 60 Rukun Tetangga in Sarawak.
Rukun Negara
The Rukun Negara is Malaysias national ideals. Made up of 5 timeless principles,
it was introduced after the communal clashes and racial conflict of 13 May 1969
as an attempt to base national unity on certain universal concepts that are acceptable
to all citizens of the country despite their ethnicities and
religions. As could be seen, it takes the combined effort of both government and
people to achieve political stability, harmony and economic success of a nation.
The Department of National Unity and Integration is in the midst of formulating
the tructure to raise awareness of the values of Rukun Negara among the young.
This structure will be implemented through the establishment of Rukun Negara clubs
in schools and educational institutions with the support of the Minister of Education.
These Rukun Negara clubs will be different from other clubs because the
committee members will be the Chairman and Secretary of otherclubs in the schools,
stated Datuk Dr. Maximus Ongkili, Minister in the Prime Ministers Department
National Unity and Integration. The Rukun Negara clubs will help students
to internalize the Rukun Negara values through related activities, debates, series
of lectures, field trips and so forth. Some of the clubs could also be adopted
by Rukun Tetangga and be involved in their functions.
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| Children must be made aware of the benefits and values
of Rukun Negara |
As of 2002, there are 474,734
students in Sarawak of which 284,502 are in primary schools, 185, 294 in secondary
schools and 4,938 in vocational schools. Those numbers are a good start towards
inculcating national unity and integration in the younger generation for the state.
The declaration of the 5 principles of Rukun Negara is as follows...Our nation
Malaysia is dedicated to:
Achieving a greater unity for all her people
Maintaining a democratic way of life
Creating a just society in which the wealth of the nation shall be equitably
distributed
Ensuring a liberal approach to her rich and diverse cultural traditions
Building a progressive society, orientated towards modern science and technology
In return, the people of Malaysia pledge their united efforts to attain the above
ends by following these principles:
Belief in God
Loyalty to King and Country
Supremacy of the Constitution
The Rule of Law
Mutual respect and good social behavior
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