PENAMPANG: Minister of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Datuk Ewon Benedick has called on the people to make Rukun Negara the basis of expressing patriotism and love for the country.
He said that love for the country is not just an expression of feelings but requires appreciation and action.
“Therefore, my hope is that Rukun Negara will be used as a basis for the people’s expression of love for the country and patriotism,” he said after officiating the 2024 National Month Expression Ceremony, organised by the Information Department, at ITCC Penampang.
Ewon said the first principle of Rukun Negara, “Belief in God,” carries the message that despite differences in race and religion, people should respect each other.
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“The Supremacy of the Constitution, the Rule of Law” convey the message that all citizens must respect the law of the land.
“Courtesy and Morality”, for example, in the celebration of the Kaamatan Festival and other cultural and religious celebrations, we must respect and understand the culture of other communities, which ultimately unites all people of various races and religions in this country,” he said.
He said that unity, harmony and tolerance between races would move the country in a better direction.
Ewon said patriotism is not just a spirit but something that needs to be nurtured and lived because it involves confidence, loyalty, citizenship, courage, independence, identity and sovereignty.
“In that regard, the main goal of the 2024 National Expression Month event is to increase awareness and foster the spirit of unity and patriotism,” he said.
Ewon said this celebration is important not only in the context of racial harmony and unity but also in economy and governance of the country. “For example, in the economic context, we have government policies related to the development of entrepreneurship and the regulation of various schemes and initiatives provided by the government.
“If the people comply with the criteria and apply for services from the various agencies concerned, economic activities in the country will improve, and the value of exports will increase with the contribution of the people to the entrepreneurial movement,” he said.
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