The Rukun Negara, now 55 years old, remains vital in safeguarding unity and national identity, says federal minister Aaron Ago Dagang.
Aaron, who is the national unity minister, stressed that the Rukun Negara is not merely a policy document or a slogan to be memorised, but a national philosophy declared on Aug 31, 1970, in the aftermath of the May 13, 1969 riots to foster harmony in Malaysia’s multiracial society.
“The Rukun Negara is not only still relevant, it is the very pillar of our nation’s stability and progress.
“In today’s era of social media and globalisation, we face challenges such as the spread of slander, hostility between ethnic groups, and disregard for the law. Left unchecked, these can erode our unity. This is why the Rukun Negara remains so important,” he told FMT.
Following the May 13 incident, the Rukun Negara was formulated by the National Consultative Council (NCC), comprising 13 figures from diverse backgrounds, to rebuild racial harmony.
Aaron said nurturing unity is not a seasonal campaign but a lifelong process that begins in childhood and continues into adulthood.
“Among the initiatives we have introduced are unity kindergartens, Rukun Negara clubs in primary schools, and Rukun Negara secretariats (SRN) at universities as platforms to embed the spirit and principles of the Rukun Negara.
“To keep up with generational change and encourage greater practice of the Rukun Negara among youth, the ministry has, under my leadership, introduced new initiatives this year.
“These include Arkib@Sekolah, Gerak Integrasi Perpaduan, Citra Negaraku, the SRN Convention, and the Rukun Negara Education Symposium,” he said.
Aaron also noted that social media has increasingly become a platform for racial polarisation.
To counter this, the ministry is emphasising the “Taat Setia Rukun Negara” campaign to strengthen national spirit and unity.
Shamsul Amri Baharuddin of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s Institute of Ethnic Studies said the values of the Rukun Negara, instilled over decades, have borne fruit, enabling Malaysians to compromise and resolve matters without government intervention.
He said this reflects the people’s maturity in finding ways to live together without undermining national harmony.
“Every week across the country, residents put up tents on public roads for wedding receptions.
Yet, why is it tolerated without disputes? Because the community negotiates among themselves,” he said.
According to him, unity shaped by the Rukun Negara is an abstract but tangible experience.
“For instance, when badminton legend Lee Chong Wei played against China‘s Lin Dan, the streets would be empty as everyone watched together – whether in Malay restaurants, Chinese eateries, or roadside stalls. In those moments, you could feel the shared spirit of togetherness.
“Unity may sometimes appear visible, sometimes fleeting, but the bond it creates is always present,” he said.
