BERNAMA – Additional Grant For Winners Of Rukun Negara Oratory Competition To Attract More Participation

MELAKA, Sept 11 (Bernama) — The introduction of an additional RM1,000 grant for the winner of the Rukun Negara Oratory Competition this year is expected to serve as a strong motivational boost for participants and encourage greater participation in the future.

National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said the additional grant will be awarded to the respective winners of the Primary School, Secondary School, and Institution of Higher Learning (IPT) categories.

Meanwhile, the Melaka government will sponsor the consolation prize of RM1,000 for the school or institution with the highest number of participants across all three categories.

“We are very proud of the overwhelming response and participation from Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak. This additional grant will serve as an added motivation for participants this year and is expected to attract even more participation in the coming years,” he said.

Aaron told reporters this after opening the final round of the national-level 2025 Rukun Negara Oratory Competition for the Tuan Yang Terutama Yang Dipertua Negeri Melaka Cup, held at the Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC), Ayer Keroh, today.

The ceremony was graced by the presence of Melaka Governor Tun Mohd Ali Mohd Rustam and Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh.

Aaron said the sharp rise in entries for the sixth edition of the competition demonstrates that the Rukun Negara is not merely an official document proclaimed on Aug 31, 1970, but a moral compass and national philosophy that unites Malaysians.

“This year, we recorded an extraordinary 9,321 participants, many times more than last year, across five categories – Primary School, Secondary School, Higher Education Institutions (IPT), Non-Malays, and the Public. This reflects the determination of the young generation and the wider community to embrace and live by the principles of the Rukun Negara,” he said.

Aaron emphasised that the competition is not just a platform for public speaking but an opportunity for participants to truly understand, internalise, and practise the Rukun Negara in their daily lives.

“It is a pillar of unity and nation-building for Malaysia,” he added.

He further said that in today’s world, which is increasingly complex due to technological advancements, political shifts, and social challenges, the appreciation of Rukun Negara values is more crucial than ever.

“These values provide a foundation to guide Malaysians in living harmoniously within a multiracial, multireligious, and multicultural society. Today’s generation must be heirs who not only memorise the principles of the Rukun Negara but also appreciate and practise them in every aspect of life.

“If the values of the Rukun Negara continue to be instilled among the people, they will serve as a moral compass and guiding principle for the nation, remaining relevant for generations to come,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ab Rauf, in his speech, expressed optimism that the competition would serve as a platform to ignite the fighting spirit and foster healthy competition in elevating the voice of patriotism to greater heights.

“To this end, the RM1,000 incentive for the highest participation and the increase in total prize value to more than RM40,000 are not merely tokens of appreciation. They also serve as a catalyst to inspire the younger generation to live by the principles of the Rukun Negara and strengthen its role as a pillar of national unity,” he said.

— BERNAMA

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