PETALING JAYA: The Sultan of Selangor has shared his reflections on the Rukun Negara, saying that Malaysians should grasp its history and reflect on its principles, which form the cornerstone of national unity.
“(This message is) specifically directed to Seri Kembangan assemblyman Wong Siew Ki of DAP and former Selangor DAP exco Ronnie Liu.
“I suggest that you visit Dataran Selangor once a week to reflect on the meaning of the Rukun Negara so as to become citizens who respect the sovereignty of the royal institution and uphold courtesy and morality,” said Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah.
The Ruler was referring to Selangor Square in Shah Alam, where there is a Rukun Negara monument plaque.
In a statement yesterday, Sultan Sharafuddin said visitors to the square should read and appreciate the guiding principles.
Wong courted criticism last month after she spoke at the Selangor state assembly, saying that a modern, closed pig farming system could be implemented despite a decree in February by the Selangor Ruler to halt pig farming in the state in view of environmental concerns and the state’s demographic landscape.
Liu, on his part, had urged pig farmers to consider filing a judicial review on the matter.
Sultan Sharafuddin said yesterday that all state assemblymen should visit Selangor Square twice a month to read and understand the meaning of the Rukun Negara.
The Ruler himself had visited the Rukun Negara monument plaque yesterday, which is located opposite the state flagpole.
The plaque was built and installed by the Selangor Public Works Department. Visitors can also find benches available for their use.
Sultan Sharafuddin fully funded the construction of the monument plaque and benches.
“With the construction of this monument plaque, I would like to reflect and remind the people of how Rukun Negara began.
“It all started when a state of emergency was declared following the May 13, 1969 racial riots. The National Operations Council (Mageran), which was established as the governing body at the time, held discussions with its members to formulate the Rukun Negara as a national ideology aimed at strengthening unity among the races in this country,” Sultan Sharafuddin said.
As such, the Ruler encouraged visitors to Selangor Square, especially the younger generation, to read and appreciate the core principles of the Rukun Negara.
