Melaka: The Ministry of National Unity is prepared to consider adding a category for Persons with Disabilities (PWD) in future editions of the Rukun Negara Oratory Competition to provide broader opportunities for the group to express their love for the country.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Deputy Minister of National Unity Yuneswaran Ramaraj said the proposal was a commendable initiative, adding that the ministry would examine suitable mechanisms to enable PWD participation in the competition, which currently has five categories, namely Primary School, Secondary School, Higher Education Institutions, Non-Malay and Public.

"This is a very good proposal and I highly welcome it. To that end, we will look at the best mechanisms for how this participation will be carried out, and certainly, the ministry will hold discussions with all stakeholders to open up more categories. They have the opportunity to participate in all these categories and express their love for our country," he said after attending the National-level 2026 Rukun Negara Oratory Competition for the Melaka Governor's Challenge Trophy at the Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC) here today.

The event was attended by the Yang Dipertua Negeri of Melaka Tun Dr Mohd Ali Mohd Rustam and Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh.

Yuneswaran said the Rukun Negara Oratory Competition, which has been organised for the past six years, should be continued as it is capable of instilling a spirit of unity and appreciation of the Rukun Negara principles among the people, especially the younger generation.

He noted that this was reflected in the encouraging year-on-year development of the programme offering the Melaka Governor's Challenge Trophy, with total participation this year exceeding 10,000.

He said the involvement of participants from various levels, including primary schools, secondary schools, higher education institutions and the general public, showed growing interest in understanding the Rukun Negara more deeply.

Meanwhile, he said the Rukun Negara should not be viewed merely as five principles recited during National Day or Independence Day celebrations, but should instead serve as guiding principles in everyday life.

"The Rukun Negara is not just on paper, nor is it something we merely proclaim during National Day or Independence Day, but we want the Rukun Negara to be a principle and pillar that we practise every day. It is also not only meant for within schools, but outside as well," he said.

He also described the annual competition as a beneficial platform for students, as participants were not only able to elaborate on issues of unity and nationhood but also demonstrated extensive knowledge of national and world history.

He added that the talents showcased by the participants proved that such programmes could help shape a younger generation that better understands the importance of unity and possesses the confidence to convey messages of nationhood to the community.