Kuala lumpur: The Rukun Negara remains a fundamental pillar of national unity and must be understood and embraced by all Malaysians, Deputy National Unity Minister Datuk Seri R. Yuneswaran said. He emphasized that while the national ideology is taught in schools, parents also play a crucial role in educating and reminding their children about its principles to strengthen unity and national identity.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Yuneswaran highlighted that the Rukun Negara has been part of the educational curriculum since school days, and a lack of understanding of it reflects a failure to appreciate the true spirit of Malaysia. He stressed that the five principles of Rukun Negara form the foundation for uniting society and called upon politicians to learn, understand, and appreciate its purpose.
Yuneswaran made these statements to reporters following a courtesy visit to Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai at Wisma Bernama. His comments came in response to remarks by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, who urged Malaysians to uphold the spirit of the Rukun Negara and stated that those unwilling to abide by its principles do not deserve to be called Malaysian citizens.
His Majesty also reminded political leaders to avoid provoking sensitive issues involving race, religion, and royalty (3R) ahead of the election season. Yuneswaran echoed this sentiment, urging political leaders to set a positive example and avoid exploiting 3R issues for political gain.
Yuneswaran pointed out that racial issues are often sensationalized by certain parties when they cannot counter facts with facts. He advised that concerns about government mistakes should be raised through proper channels, such as media statements, rather than spreading falsehoods. He added that any government would be willing to listen to constructive views, but using 3R issues to create tension or further political interests is unacceptable.
He noted that Malaysians are becoming more politically mature and assess leaders based on their service, performance, and ability to unite communities, rather than on racial or religious rhetoric. Meanwhile, Yuneswaran mentioned that his visit to Bernama aimed to strengthen ties with the agency's senior management and enhance cooperation in disseminating information related to national unity.
He expressed appreciation for Bernama's credible multilingual reporting, which aids the ministry in addressing the spread of fake news and tensions fueled by irresponsible individuals on social media. Present at the event were Bernama editor-in-chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj, deputy editor-in-chief (News Service) Mohd Shukri Ishak, and acting deputy editor-in-chief (Economic News Service) Harlina Samson.