Appreciation of Rukun Negara motivating factor for entrepreneurs to rise from the ashes

KUALA LUMPUR, July 15  -- While the economy and business industry are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the appreciation of the principles of Rukun Negara as a pillar in maintaining harmony has become one of the motivating factors for entrepreneurs to continue to rise from the ashes.

Recalling the enforcement of the Movement Control Order (MCO) to curb the spread of the pandemic since March 18, agro-tourism entrepreneur Nordin Mat said he saw the situation as a challenge that had to be faced by all Malaysians together.

In addition to abiding by and upholding the principle of rule of law for the common good, Nordin felt that entrepreneurs must also play a role in reviving and revitalising the economy, which is the backbone of the nation’s well-being.

"One of the worst affected sectors is agro-tourism. With the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS) closed, I had to think of other business opportunities to continue to survive," he said as a guest on the Bernama Webinar programme in conjunction with the Rukun Negara 50th anniversary celebration today.

Nordin said he also made efforts to produce a video on Bank Negara's Small Debt Resolution Scheme (SDRS) to be shared with small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) traders facing the same situation.

"I drew inspiration from the Rukun Negara that is to prosper the economy and help other SMEs facing the same dilemma as well as a reminder that the world has not ended and every problem has a solution," said Nordin, who is also the director of agricultural company Goat2GO.

Meanwhile, Oakheart Legacy publishing company founder Hafiz Latiff said the appreciation of the principles of Rukun Negara had always been the foundation that shaped his identity to become an entrepreneur with integrity.

"When we embrace the principles of Rukun Negara, it will remind us of the first philosophy, which is Belief in God, thus practising the values inculcated in our religion.

"For example, do not be demoralised when faced with problems in business but face them positively," he said.

Hafiz believes that other principles, such as Loyalty to King and Country as well as Good Behaviour and Morality, also make book publishers like him to always produce content filled with noble values that do not threaten the well-being of the country.

-- BERNAMA