IPOH: The National Unity Ministry is open to considering proposals to recognise the Baba Nyonya and Chitty communities as national unity icons.
Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said there are many recognised unity figures, including Olympic diver Pandelela Rinong, who was named a national unity icon in 2023.
“We will look into how such individuals or communities can be highlighted as symbols of unity.
“The ministry has received numerous proposals from the public, including suggestions to recognise national leaders for their contributions to unity.
“We will look into all the proposals, and in some instances, these individuals are often described as “unity agents” rather than icons,” he told reporters after presenting allocations to 10 Kawasan Rukun Tetangga in Ipoh today. (Jan 24)
The allocation was part of the Madani Community Satellite Programme 2026.
On Jan 21, an Opposition MP, during a debate on the royal address in the Dewan Rakyat, said the Baba Nyonya and Chetty communities should be uplifted as unity icons.
Bakri Jamaluddin (PN-Tangga Batu) said the two ethnic groups arrived in Melaka in the early 15th century and even assimilated into local communities.
