THE government should be commended for resurrecting the Rukun Negara and returning it to a platform of pre-eminence to coincide with its 50th anniversary. Of utmost importance is the realisation that the Rukun Negara is not a publicity stunt but the declaration of a Malaysian national philosophy instituted by royal proclamation on National Day, 1970.
While most can recite its five principles by heart, it is imperative to understand the objectives of its formulation, namely to foster unity in society, build a liberal attitude towards the country’s rich and diverse cultures and to create a just society where national prosperity can be enjoyed equitably. This would be the pathway in preserving our democratic way of life and building a progressive society.
