Kuala lumpur: The role of university students as agents of social change is no longer optional but has become a strategic necessity in driving the future of national unity, said Minister of National Unity Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang. He emphasized that students must actively oppose hate rhetoric and narrow ideologies to uphold unity values.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Aaron stressed the importance of fostering values such as understanding, respect, and acceptance within university campuses. These principles are essential to maintaining harmony in a diverse society. He urged students to act as community bridges, crossing racial, religious, and regional divides, during the closing of the 2025 Rukun Negara Secretariat (SRN) Convention.
Aaron pointed out that the current era presents complex challenges to unity, more so than those encountered by previous generations. One significant issue is social polarization, where individuals, including youth, remain confined within their social bubbles. Social media algorithms further entrench existing perceptions, diminishing opportunities for intercultural dialogue.
He highlighted that this lack of understanding across races, religions, and social strata undermines efforts to build a united and harmonious society. The minister also mentioned the threat of extremism and narrow-minded ideologies, which exploit digital channels to manipulate identity sentiments and promote hatred, rejecting diversity and disrupting harmony.
Furthermore, Aaron expressed concern over a diminishing sense of national orientation among the younger generation, who may view the Rukun Negara as obsolete rather than guiding principles for life. He referenced statistics indicating that youth are particularly susceptible to discrimination and racism.
According to the *State of Discrimination Survey 2023* by Architects of Diversity Malaysia, 43 percent of Gen Z youth aged 18 to 24 reported experiencing discrimination based on ethnicity, skin color, or dialect, making them the most vulnerable group compared to other age brackets.