Latest news with #RukunNegara
The Sun
a day ago
- Politics
- The Sun
True test of nation's soul is measured through action, not slogans
MALAYSIA stands tall with its proud declarations – of harmony, faith and unity in diversity. Our national anthem speaks of blessings and loyalty. Our Rukun Negara lays out noble aspirations. Political speeches, religious sermons and school mottos echo values such as integrity, compassion and justice. However, somewhere between what we preach and how we live, a vast chasm has formed. It is not just a gap in misunderstanding; it is a crisis of conscience – a culture of hypocrisy that has taken root among individuals, the community and our institutions. At the religious, doctrinal and ideological levels, hypocrisy has reared its ugly head. Malaysians who have been taught from young to value principles like humility, regular prayer, respect for elders and the importance of honesty are increasingly living in contradiction to those very teachings. This is not simply seen as human imperfection; it is, as the late Syed Hussein Alatas said in his book The Problem of Corruption (1986), a 'moral lapse' embedded in our culture. Many of us profess religious devotion yet forget that the essence of religion lies in justice – not in ritual alone. While Malaysia's multiracial communities put on a commendable display of harmony – especially during festivals like Deepavali open houses, Hari Raya feasts and Chinese New Year greetings – the question remains: Is this genuine harmony or merely a performance? Beyond the decorations and the performance of harmony and unity, stateless children remain invisible to the system; refugees, despite living here for years, are denied basic rights; and minorities often encounter quiet hostility and legal obstacles. Many who preach moral values are quick to ostracise others – from single mothers to those of different sects. Social inclusion has become conditional, and empathy selective. This is the irony of Malaysian society. Our institutions champion slogans like 'integrity is our identity' and 'zero tolerance for corruption' – but are they truly walking the talk? Religious authorities, tasked with promoting piety and offering pastoral care too often resort to public shaming. Institutions meant to serve the people frequently end up protecting only a select few. Taboo topics involving race and religion are often avoided under the guise of 'sensitivity'. Meanwhile, those who remain silent are rewarded while whistleblowers face punishment. Malaysia does not lack talent, spirituality or decency. What it lacks is the moral courage to confront its own contradictions. The challenge is to listen more instead of making judgements. Malaysia's true strength will not be measured by skyscrapers or slogans but whether it can hold a mirror to itself. And that mirror may be painful to look at but it is only through truth, not denial, that a nation can heal. Let us hope that one day our moral conscience will grow louder than our hypocrisy.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Six IPTs to receive RM20k each under Citra Negaraku 2025
KUALA LUMPUR: The National Unity Ministry has announced that six higher education institutions (IPTs) will receive RM20,000 each as part of the Citra Negaraku 2025 programme. Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang revealed the initiative, themed 'Embodying Rukun Negara', during its official launch. The programme aims to reinforce national values and cultivate patriotism among students. 'This effort supports the deeper appreciation and practice of Rukun Negara principles in daily life, which are vital for national stability and harmony,' said Aaron. Citra Negaraku 2025 consists of four key components: Unity Talks, Unity Expressions, the Rukun Negara Secretariat (SRN) 'Prihatin' initiative, and the Rukun Negara Trail. These activities are designed to train students as key agents of national unity. The six selected IPTs are UCSI College, Institute of Teacher Education (IPG) Ipoh, Politeknik Tun Syed Nasir Syed Ismail, University College TATI (UC TATI), Geomatika College Keningau, and Universiti Putra Malaysia Sarawak. Aaron also shared plans to expand the programme to all 193 Rukun Negara Secretariats nationwide by next year. In a separate statement, the ministry highlighted the role of students in promoting national consciousness through dialogue, cross-cultural collaboration, and social engagement. 'This commitment must continue so that unity is more than a slogan—it becomes a way of life etched in the hearts of all Malaysians,' the statement read. - Bernama
Barnama
2 days ago
- Politics
- Barnama
Six IPTs To Receive RM20k Each Under ‘Citra Negaraku 2025' Programme
KUALA LUMPUR, July 14 (Bernama) -- The National Unity Ministry will allocate RM20,000 each to six higher education institutions (IPTs) involved in the Citra Negaraku 2025 programme, said Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang today. The initiative, themed 'Embodying Rukun Negara', aims to strengthen national values and foster patriotism among students. 'This programme supports efforts to deepen appreciation and practice of the Rukun Negara's principles in daily life, which are essential for national stability and harmony,' he said at the programme launch.
Borneo Post
16-06-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Kota Sentosa rep urges Peninsular politicians to respect Sarawak's constitutional status
Wilfred Yap – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (June 16): Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap has expressed deep concern that some politicians from Peninsular-based political parties continue to misrepresent Sarawak's rightful constitutional position as one of the founding partners of Malaysia. The Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) lawmaker said these mischaracterisations ignore the historical context, legal safeguards, and the unique constitutional status accorded to Sarawak upon the formation of Malaysia. 'Politicians — particularly those serving in the federal government — must uphold the third and fourth principles of the Rukun Negara: Keluhuran Perlembagaan (Supremacy of the Constitution) and Kedaulatan Undang-undang (Rule of Law). 'These principles require all Malaysians, especially leaders, to respect the constitutional framework that guarantees Sarawak's special status and legislative autonomy,' he said in a statement explaining the significance of the Borneo States (Legislative Powers) Order 1963 and Sarawak's Legislative Rights. Yap, who is a lawyer, urged those who remain uninformed to educate themselves on the Borneo States (Legislative Powers) Order 1963, the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), and the Federal Constitution. 'Sarawak is not merely one of the states in Malaysia, but an equal founding partner with its own distinct constitutional arrangements. 'Our State Legislative Assembly (Dewan Undangan Negeri Sarawak) retains wider powers under the State List, including in matters of natural resources, land, licensing, and oil and gas — areas which are not under the control of the federal legislature,' he explained. According to Yap, the Borneo States (Legislative Powers) Order 1963, enacted under the Malaysia Act 1963 by the British Government with the consent of Sarawak and Sabah, amended the Federal Constitution to expand the legislative competence of the Borneo States. 'This Order is a key constitutional instrument that grants Sarawak greater autonomy in law-making, particularly in relation to land, forests, mining, oil and gas, and the granting of licences related to these sectors. This means that Sarawak holds legislative authority over licensing for activities related to its own natural resources, including petroleum operations.' Additionally, he said Article 161 of the Federal Constitution provides further protection by preserving laws that were in force in Sarawak prior to Malaysia Day (Sept 16, 1963), including laws relating to land, natural resources, native customs, and religion. 'These pre-Malaysia Day laws remain valid unless and until repealed by the Sarawak Legislature – not by the federal Parliament. This ensures that Sarawak's legal traditions and safeguards, including those affecting oil and gas, continue to have constitutional force,' he added. Yap said the ongoing relevance of both the Borneo States Order and Article 161 cannot be overstated, a they serve as critical constitutional safeguards protecting Sarawak's sovereign rights, particularly in sectors vital to our economic development such as oil and gas. 'Any attempt to override Sarawak's licensing authority or regulatory powers in these areas runs contrary to the Constitution and the spirit of MA63,' he added. He concluded by calling on all Sarawakians to remain united and vigilant in defending their constitutional rights. 'We must reject any narrative or policy that diminishes our status or centralises control over resources that constitutionally belong to Sarawak.' Yap added that the federal government must honour MA63 not only in word but in action, and respect the legal instruments — including the Borneo States (Legislative Powers) Order 1963 and Article 161 — that define Sarawak's rightful place as an equal partner in the Malaysian Federation. constitutional position lead Wilfred Yap
The Star
03-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
King: Always put unity first
KUALA LUMPUR: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, has reminded leaders not to politicise sensitive issues that could fuel discord within the society and threaten the nation's stability. His Majesty stated that the existence of more political parties or factions within parties could lead to widening rifts among the people, resulting in escalating enmity among them. 'Use your wisdom before making any decisions. There is no greater gift to me than a united rakyat. 'I have mentioned before that there is a 'virus' that will strike our nation. 'Now, this virus has begun to spread and cannot be cured. I often speak of this so that we do not easily forget,' His Majesty said. Sultan Ibrahim was speaking during the royal address at the investiture ceremony for 2025 in conjunction with His Majesty's official birthday celebration at Istana Negara, reported Bernama. Special occasion: Sultan Ibrahim, Raja Zarith Sofiah, Anwar and Dr Wan Azizah attending the investiture ceremony at Istana Negara in conjunction with His Majesty's official birthday. — Photo from Anwar's Facebook page Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, was also in attendance. Present at the ceremony were Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, and Cabinet Ministers. His Majesty also called on all Malaysians to keep fostering unity as a gift to him. The King went on to express his appreciation for the Madani government and its civil servants, who have worked hard to manage the country's economy and development. Sultan Ibrahim said the success of last month's Asean Summit was proof of the nation's leadership's ability to strengthen regional and international cooperation. 'Although there are those who underestimate Malaysia's capabilities, with hard work and a spirit of cooperation, especially by civil servants, all challenges and obstacles have been successfully overcome,' said His Majesty. Sultan Ibrahim also reminded civil servants to provide excellent service and practise the second principle of the Rukun Negara, which is 'Loyalty to King and Country'. 'Loyalty does not mean worship, but honesty and trust in carrying out the duties and responsibilities given, and not betraying the country and the people's trust,' said His Majesty. The King stressed that civil servants must be free from the influence of political parties, be neutral, and always prioritise the interests of the country and the people. 'Government officials must ensure that every decision made is in accordance with the conditions and regulations set, not according to the dictates of politicians. 'Every expenditure must also be closely controlled and cannot be used as desired by ministers or MPs to fish for votes, to the point of causing the government's debt to increase,' said the King. Sultan Ibrahim also called on all enforcement agencies to carry out their duties with full integrity so that the people do not lose trust and continue to respect the uniform they wear.
