KUALA LUMPUR: The Rukun Negara, the national philosophy in fostering the spirit of unity among multiracial Malaysians, is one of the greatest legacies left behind by the late statesman Tun Dr Ismail Abdul Rahman.
Tun Dr Ismail was one of the figures who conceived the five principles of Rukun Negara when Malaysia faced its darkest episode on May 13, 1969.
Historian Professor Emeritus Datuk Dr Teo Kok Seong, said the late Tun Dr Ismail was also seen as an icon of unity because he often called and reminded Malaysians regardless of race and religion to get along with each other to create mutual understanding.
"The three elements that Tun Dr Ismail emphasised in strengthening unity were inter-ethnic relations, getting to know each other and understanding each other's cultures," he told Bernama.
Teo said the Rukun Negara, which was declared on Aug 31, 1970 by the fourth Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Almarhum Tuanku Ismail Nasiruddin Shah, when Tun Dr Ismail held the position of home affairs minister, was timely as it became a source of unity.
"After the traumatic tragedy of May 13, 1969, people were in a state of shock and fear. At that time, there was an urgent need for the country to find a formula that could unite all the people.
"So when the Rukun Negara was declared, everyone at that time 'passionately' embraced the five values introduced in the Rukun Negara to live in peace and tranquility despite different races and religions," he said.
Teo said Tun Dr Ismail should be remembered including among today's young generation as a key figure in the formation of the national ideology and for his efforts and contributions in shaping the harmony of the country.
Among the efforts that can be made to ensure that the legacy left by Tun Dr Ismail remains fresh and continues to be appreciated and practised among the people today, the Rukun Negara that was formed more than 50 years ago should be re-examined to add new values according to the current situation.
"After more than 50 years, we have to admit that it has not reached the practice level and a deep understanding but rather just remembering the five principles only.
"So in my view, the existing Rukun Negara should be highly valued considering that it is a national philosophy and we want the people to adhere to it and the government should play a role in providing understanding and detailing its practices," he added.
The Communications and Digital Ministry is scheduled to hold a programme to honour Tun Dr Ismail for his services in conjunction with the National Month celebration.
The programme, to be held at Dataran Merdeka tomorrow, aims to educate the younger generation about the statesman's significant contributions to the country's development.
The programme, which is expected to be attended by 15,000 people, will be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. – Bernama