KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Unity Foundation trustee Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye has urged the government to organise a special programme to commemorate the establishment of the five principles of the Rukun Negara.
He said it is important for the government to promote Rukun Negara and explain to the people, especially the younger generation, what the principles are about, why they were created, and their role in terms of promoting racial harmony, mutual respect, integration and unifying the people.
“Of late, it is sad that focus and attention are not given to Rukun Negara as the nation's (founding) philosophy and principles.
“Compared to the 1970s when Rukun Negara was declared, focus on the five principles was given not only by the government but also the private sector and media.
“This clearly shows that Rukun Negara is not given a proper place in the development of our county,” Lee said in a statement today.
Rukun Negara was proclaimed by the then Yang di-Pertuan Agong Almarhum Tuanku Ismail Nasiruddin Shah Ibni Almarhum Sultan Zainal Abidin on Aug 31, 1970.
This year marks 50 years of Rukun Negara, which was established to achieve a common ground or understanding of national aspirations among the various races in Malaysia.
Lee said the younger generation must be taught about Rukun Negara, as of late, it seems that its principles are not conveyed to them properly.
“They do not understand the meaning of every principle and aspiration, nor do they practice it.
“To ensure that the Rukun Negara has an impact on the development of the country, it must be practiced daily, especially among the younger generation.”
Lee said Rukun Negara focuses on empowering Malaysia as a strong nation with diverse values, and is a tool in nation-building.
“Apart from promoting unity among the people, Rukun Negara also maintains the democratic way of life; creates a just society; ensures a liberal approach to customs and culture; and develops a progressive society based on modern science and technology.
“Rukun Negara is also a social guide in the form of five tenets; Belief in God; Loyalty to the King and Country; Upholding the Constitution; Rule of Law, and Good Social Behaviour and Morality.
“Hence, Rukun Negara is a philosophy that all Malaysians should be proud of," he added.
Lee said that the principles of the Rukun Negara have united Malaysians of various religions; therefore it should be instilled among the young people, who are the leaders of tomorrow.
“The principles enshrined in Rukun Negara must be supported and practiced, as we cannot (take for granted) the stability, peace, and harmony that we have achieved so far.
“I believe that the principles under the Rukun Negara are not only important, but have values that should be promoted among the youths so that its objectives could be understood and practiced by the youth,” he said.
Lee also said that Rukun Negara should not only be memorised and recited during school assemblies, but every Malaysian must understand and practice it.
“Although we are in the world of ICT and globalisation, we must not forget the principles of Rukun Negara and why we should practice them.”