KUALA LUMPUR: A study will be conducted before launching the Rukun Negara Education and Appreciation action plan to turn its principles into practical actions, says Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang.
The National Unity Minister said the action plan will outline the mechanisms for fostering unity and patriotism through the Rukun Negara, which will also involve the Ministries for Education, Higher Education and Communications.
He said the ministry through the National Unity and Integration Department will study the need to launch the Rukun Negara Education and Appreciation Action Plan to bring it in line with the National Unity Policy 2021-2030.
“We focus on translating the principles of the Rukun Negara into practical actions. This transformation requires a concerted effort from all sectors of society,” Aaron said in his keynote speech at the Sejahtera Malaysia forum held at the Le Quandri Hotel by UCSI Hotel here today (April 29).
“I am confident if the spirit contained in the Rukun Negara continues to be appreciated and firmly embedded in the soul of every Malaysian, we are a step closer to realising a harmonious society,” he said.
It is understood that the action plan is scheduled to be launched in August with the ministry tasked to promote the Rukun Negara to foster unity and patriotism.
Among the ministry’s ongoing efforts to cultivate unity via appreciation of the Rukun Negara is to require members of Parliament to recite it in the Dewan Rakyat starting Feb 27 this year.
The recitation of the Rukun Negara at official government events was also approved by Cabinet on July 25 last year.
Aaron said the Rukun Negara Appreciation Module and the Rukun Negara Youth Tour with the theme of Enlivening the Rukun Negara (Menjiwai Rukun Negara) will also be held this year under the Rukun Negara Education and Appreciation action plan.
He added that implementing the initiative can instill in youth a sense of identity, patriotism, tolerance and progressiveness in line with the ideals of the Rukun Negara.
Aaron added that the ministry is also working closely with the Defence Ministry to include modules in the National Service Training Programme (PLKN 3.0) to raise awareness about Rukun Negara and its values.
Earlier at the forum, Star Media Group (SMG) was awarded the National Unity Media Leadership award for the newspaper’s contributions to fostering unity and leadership.
The forum which highlighted the objectives of Rukun Negara also witnessed the eldest son of Tun Dr Ismail Abdul Rahman, Mohamed Tawfik receiving the special icon award for his vocal advocacy of moderation and unity.
Tawfik, who serves on the Maju Malaysia advisory committee, also called for a larger budget allocation for the National Unity Ministry as it serves a bigger “constituency” when compared to the Islamic Development Department (Jakim).
