Kuala lumpur: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, today declared that individuals rejecting the principles of the Rukun Negara are unfit to be considered Malaysian citizens. His Majesty emphasized the Rukun Negara, established on August 31, 1970, as a vital commitment by all Malaysians to foster unity and reinforce social harmony among the country’s communities.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sultan Ibrahim urged all parties to uphold the principles of the Rukun Negara as a guiding framework in their daily lives. He stated that any Malaysian who refuses to adhere to these principles does not deserve to be called a Malaysian citizen. The King delivered his remarks during an investiture ceremony held in conjunction with His Majesty’s official birthday celebration at Istana Negara.
The ceremony was attended by Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, as well as Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, and members of the Cabinet, including Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. Foreign dignitaries were also present at the event.
Sultan Ibrahim highlighted the importance of unity, tolerance, and mutual respect among all citizens while adhering to the Rukun Negara principles. He stated that national unity is the foundation of Malaysia’s strength, ensuring economic progress, racial harmony, and long-term stability.
His Majesty also reminded attendees of the nation’s painful history, particularly the May 13, 1969, racial riots, which he attributed to excessive actions and disrespect from certain parties that failed to uphold the country’s sovereignty and mutual respect. Sultan Ibrahim warned against the repetition of such historical incidents, as they have previously disrupted national unity and stability.
This ceremony marked the third investiture conducted by Sultan Ibrahim since his installation as King of Malaysia on July 20, 2024. A total of 161 individuals received Federal Orders, Stars, and Medals in conjunction with His Majesty’s official birthday celebration this year.