Expansion of Rukun Negara culture lauded

I REFER to the report “Move to expand Rukun Negara culture in schools” to strengthen efforts to inculcate a spirit of unity among the younger generation (The Star, Aug 15).

Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said this will be done through Rukun Negara clubs nationwide, of which there are currently 6,849.

We laud this effort and hope it will help to nurture responsible citizens who truly understand the importance of unity, mutual respect and moral values in a multiracial and multicultural nation.

Teachers must also be appropriately trained to play their role as “agents of unity”.

Students are adept at reciting the five principles of Rukun Negara – Belief in God; Loyalty to King and Country; Upholding the Constitution; The Rule of Law; and Good Behaviour and Morality.

But most do not really understand the significance of these principles and why it is important to put them in practise.

Therefore, all students must be made aware of the objectives of these principles, which are:

> To achieve and foster better unity among the society;

> Preserve a democratic way of life;

> Create a just society where the prosperity of the country can be enjoyed together in a fair and equitable manner;

> Ensure a liberal approach towards the rich and varied cultural traditions; and

> Build a progressive society that will make use of science and modern technology.

Besides inculcating unity, teaching children the principles and aims of the Rukun Negara will also help them to become responsible, empathetic and compassionate individuals.

TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE

Kuala Lumpur