‘Practise Rukunegara daily’
PM: We can overcome anything if we hold on to five principles
The Prime Minister says Malaysians should not just memorise the five principles of Rukunegara, but also practise them daily.
Launching the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Rukunegara yesterday at Perdana Putra in Putrajaya, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the people could overcome anything if they followed the Rukunegara.
He said the five principles – Belief in God, Loyalty to King and Country, Supremacy of the Constitution, Rule of Law, and Good Behaviour and Morality – had been instilled in various generations of Malaysians.
“Since our schooldays, it was not only spoken by us but also engraved in our hearts. If you are Malaysian, these are the characteristics you must possess.
“Racial and religious differences should not be a barrier to being united as a nation with similar values and principles,” said Muhyiddin.
He said Malaysians continued to be tested by those who provoked them.
“In the past, the authorities received many reports of actions or wordings uploaded on social media which sometimes offended others.
“Although investigations were done and stern action taken against those who broke the law, such matters left deep scars on our unity.
“I believe such situations can be prevented if we practise the principles of the Rukunegara,” he said.
He emphasised the first principle – Belief in God – as the most important principle in a nation of various races and religions.
“Our Constitution acknowledges Islam as the federal religion, as well as the rights of all individuals to practise their religion in peace.
“When this principle is respected, there will be religious harmony as no one will question the status of Islam or the rights of others to practise their religion,” he added.
He said while the Yang di-Pertuan Agong was the head of the country and symbol of unity for all Malaysians, the Malay Rulers were the icons of unity in the states.
“Our Constitution says we must respect everyone’s rights. No one will be left behind or exempted from enjoying their rights as a citizen.
“As for the rule of law, no one is above it. If anyone is found to have broken the law, action must be taken without fear or favour,” he said.
He also said the fifth principle of the Rukunegara – Good Behaviour and Morality – defined people who were well-mannered and courteous.
“It is un Malaysian to be rude and inconsiderate,” Muhyiddin said.
The Prime Minister also praised Malaysians for their unity during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I was touched by the spirit shown by Malaysians during the pandemic. Without looking at differences in race, colour and social status, you helped and protected each other.
“I am sure we can overcome any other challenge in the future,” he said before launching the logo of the 50th anniversary celebrations and five postal stamps.
The anniversary is part of the National Day celebrations from July 9 to Sept 16.
The event was jointly organised by the Communications and Multimedia Ministry and National Unity Ministry in conjunction with the upcoming 63rd National Day.
Rukunegara was first revealed in 1970 during the 13th National Day and the five principles were formulated by the National Consultative Council headed by then prime minister Tun Abdul Razak Hussein.