KUALA LUMPUR: The 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) has outlined five strategies to accelerate the formation of a nation state, which forms the main foundation to ensure harmony and national stability.
According to the 13MP document released by the Economy Ministry on Thursday (July 31), the strategies include strengthening integration and unity; reinforcing patriotism and national identity; enhancing effective diplomacy and Malaysia's image on the international stage; increasing public participation in sports; and enhancing excellence in sports at the global level.
To strengthen integration and unity, a Malaysian Harmony Charter will be developed as the primary guide for inter-religious and inter-ethnic relations and harmony, alongside intensified nation-building programmes.
The role of politicians, media practitioners, academia, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and civil society organisations (CSOs) in nurturing harmony will be empowered by facilitating the sharing of accurate information with the public.
"The National Integration Research and Training Institute will be upgraded into a centre of excellence to expand research and training activities related to unity," the document stated.
Efforts to reinforce patriotism and national identity will focus on producing creative works and content that highlight national identity and character to instil love for the country among the people.
An index to measure the level of patriotism will be developed as a guide in designing more comprehensive and effective programmes and interventions.
"The appreciation of the Rukun Negara and the Federal Constitution will be enhanced through various educational and awareness initiatives to ensure these principles continue to be valued and practised by all citizens," it added.
Good manners, spiritual values, and humanitarian aspects, including those based on the principles of Maqasid Syariah, along with a culture of integrity and volunteerism, will also be enhanced. The National Service Training Programme will be improved through a combination of nationhood and basic military training components.
Efforts to enhance effective diplomacy and Malaysia's image on the international stage will focus on expanding the country's involvement in international cooperation, including through soft power and showcasing Malaysia's uniqueness to the global community.
The strategy to increase public participation in sports involves empowering sports associations, private companies, NGOs, and communities to organise various sports and fitness activities while expanding access to sports facilities, especially in rural areas.
Under the fifth strategy, efforts to enhance the excellence of national athletes at the international level will continue, with sports training centres to be equipped with modern technology facilities to enable athletes to be trained in various disciplines and expertise.
"The hosting of the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Malaysia in 2027 will be leveraged to raise national excellence and expand community involvement in sports and volunteerism," the document noted.
Three selected targets have been set for building a nation state throughout the 13MP period until 2030: increasing the National Unity Index score from 0.629 to 0.800; the Malaysian Sports Culture Index from 56.3 to 59.0; and the number of athletes ranked in the world's top eight from 96 to 140.
The document highlighted achievements during the 12MP, including an increase in the National Unity Index score from 0.567 in 2018 to 0.629 in 2022.
Additionally, Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025 will serve as a platform to champion the principle of ASEAN centrality, while recognition as a BRICS partner country enables Malaysia to make meaningful contributions to advancing the Global South agenda.
The outstanding achievements of national athletes on the world stage have also raised the country's image as well as national pride and patriotic spirit, reflected in the increase in the Malaysian Sports Culture Index score from 52.0 in 2021 to 56.3 in 2024. – Bernama
