Rukunegara’s the compass for unity

PETALING JAYA: Upholding the five aspirations of the Rukunegara is the theme of #SaySomethingNice Campaign 2019 to foster a spirit of unity among Malaysians as National Day approaches.

The campaign, organised by Zubedy (M) Sdn Bhd, has run annually for 17 days from National Day to Malaysia Day since 2011.

It was launched by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Unity) P. Waytha Moorthy at the Taylor’s University Lakeside campus yesterday.

“We chose ‘Cita-Cita (aspirations) Rukunegara as our Compass’ as this year’s theme because we have faith that it can help unite the nation, “ Zubedy managing director Anas Zubedy said in his speech.

“There is no end in pursuing unity as it is always a work in progress.

“As a nation, we swing from moments of unity to moments of disunity and vice versa. When we do well in a sports event like the SEA Games, we experience moments of unity.

“The current concerns about Zakir Naik’s style of discussing comparative religion is perhaps an example of where we experience moments of disunity, ” he said.

Anas said the #SaySomethingNice Campaign strives to “create a million moments of unity”.

“The more moments of unity we create, the more we dilute the voices of disunity. This is the sure way forward, ” he said.

Anas also proposed to add another “cita-cita” (aspiration) in the Rukunegara – integrity.

“Integrity is important because without integrity, everything else will fail.

“The proposed sixth aspiration of the Rukunegara can be read as ‘To foster a national identity grounded on integrity of thought, speech and action’.

“I hope Malaysians and our leaders will consider my suggestion. Make integrity central by adding it to our ‘cita-cita’ Rukunegara, ” he added.

Waytha Moorthy said all Malaysians have a responsibility and role to play in preserving and enhancing unity.

“The value of unity must be embedded into our daily lives wherever we are – be it at home, workplace or school, or even at leisure.

“It is important that we walk the talk and practise diversity and inclusion in our daily interactions, ” he added.