SHAILA KOSHY discusses with Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim the joint heritage of Malaysians and whether political culture has countered the vision, as encapsulated in the Rukunegara. Following are excerpts of the discussion.
Q: The heritage of the multi-ethnic multi-religious people living here for centuries led to the vision for the Federation of Malaya. The vision was expanded in 1963 to include Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore, thus creating the Federation of Malaysia. Yet, statements and comments over the last two years by various organisations and individuals appear to challenge and dispel this centuries' old heritage.