Hold firm to Rukun Negara to make Malaysia a prosperous nation

By Nurfardlina Izzati Moktar

SEREMBAN, June 29 -- Malaysians from all walks of life must hold firm to the five principles of Rukun Negara in order to make Malaysia a prosperous, developed and competitive nation.

Some youth also opine that efforts must be taken to inculcate an appreciation for and practice of the Rukun Negara as it is key to the long-term unity of the people in the country.

Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) graduate Sin Run Hui said every citizen not only needs to know but also understand the meaning of every principle of the Rukun Negara which has managed to create awareness on the importance of unity among Malaysians after the May 13, 1969 incident.

“Rukun Negara is very critical as a guideline for all Malaysians in holding us together, respecting one another as well as understanding the rule of law.

“As a Malaysian, I will always try to apply, appreciate and practice all the principles of Rukun Negara. Taking the fifth principle - courtesy and morality - as an example, I will avoid spreading fake news, slander or touching on sensitive issues and get involved in cyberbullying which are rampant these days,” she said recently.

She said this to Bernama ahead of the July 7 Rukun Negara 50th anniversary celebration in conjunction with the Merdeka Month and National Day 2020.

The five principles of Rukun Negara are Belief in God; Loyalty to King and Country; The Supremacy of the Constitution; The Rule of Law; and Courtesy and Morality.

Trader Muhammad Fikri Ramlan, 19, said besides being the foundation of unity in the country, it also plays a pivotal role in helping youth to develop a strong sense of identity.

“Appreciation of the principles of the Rukun Negara will also help inclucate the spirit of patriotism and togetherness among all Malaysians,” he said.

Film crew M. Rajasuriah, 32, said holding true to the trust and vision embodied in the five principles of the Rukun Negara will be able to instil the spirit of love for the country and good values among youth.

“It is important to hold true to the principles of Rukun Negara as it is not only able preserve unity and harmony but also help the country to reach its goal of becoming a developed nation,” he said.

-- BERNAMA