‘Respect, acceptance core values in M’sia’

United: (From left) KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific president Tan Sri Michael Yeoh, Aaron, Ng and Prof Omar at the launch of the forum.

THE principles of Rukun Negara will be promoted extensively to foster unity and harmony among Malaysians, says National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang.

The principles of Rukun Negara must be embedded in the soul of every Malaysian, he said at the Sejahtera Malaysia forum recently.

“Respect and acceptance are core values we must instil in Malaysian society,” he said in a press release from UCSI University.

Aaron said this in his keynote speech at the varsity in Kuala Lumpur on April 29.

The government, he said, will appoint 50 unity ambassadors and two unity icons this year, as well as construct unity complexes in every state nationwide.

“We hope to complete the unity complexes by 2027,” he said, adding that the ministry would also be working with the Defence Ministry to promote unity.

Co-organised by KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific, UCSI University and Dialog Rakyat, the Sejahtera Malaysia forum was held to promote unity and social harmony.

UCSI Group executive chairman Datuk Peter Ng said what makes us Malaysian is not where our ancestors came from, how we look, the faith we profess or our preferred language of communication.

“What really matters is the flag we pledge our allegiance to, our loyalty to king and country, as well as our respect, empathy and love for each other,” he said.

He added that the varsity is glad to champion Harmoni Mesra – a campus movement that promotes diversity, equity and inclusion as unity is of paramount importance.

UCSI vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Siti Hamisah Tapsir and UCSI council member Emeritus Prof Tan Sri Dr Omar Abdul Rahman also served as panellists at the forum.