The National Unity Advisory Council (MPPN) has proposed the implementation of reciting the Rukun Negara in schools, institutions of higher learning as well as at official government events in her first meeting recently.
The Rukun Negara or ‘National Principles’ is our country’s declaration of national philosophy instituted by the royal proclamation on Merdeka Day in 1970. I remember singing our national anthem and pledging the Rukun Negara as a student then. I believe those acts of singing our national anthem out loud and declaring the Rukun Negara really enforced loyalty and patriotism in us as students as we began to understand what those principles meant. Through the decades, I must say that the fire of patriotism and loyalty to the country has somehow waned in our younger generations. Can I safely say that many of our people today do not understand what our national anthem or the Rukun Negara is? As such, many do not give due respect and stand at attention when the Negaraku is being sung. I have seen that happening among students and even teachers in an institute of learning while I was serving there.
Today we read about many embarrassing and uncalled-for remarks and suggestions from many so-called leaders. Sometimes, it is simply unbelievable! Why do our fellow citizens or leaders behave in such a manner? I imagine these people to be from a generation who does not comprehend the history of our nation nor understand the noble principles embedded in our Rukun Negara. If they had understood, then they would be more patriotic, more honourable, more respectful, more fore-bearing and more appreciative of this multicultural and multireligious nation. Indeed, Malaysia is a special nation of diversity.
I remember visiting Vietnam many years ago. I was surprised when they played their national anthem in their cinemas before the show started. And the people all stood up in attention and sang their national anthem. What a display of patriotism!
So, please teach the principles of our Rukun Negara again in all institutes of learning and workplaces. Let our people understand our national anthem and sing out loud with pride. Let's recite our Rukun Negara. When our people understand all these noble principles, then their love for the nation will grow. Love for the nation will then birth unity and strength in our diversity.
God bless Malaysia!
By Mei Wong
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