KUALA LUMPUR - Social activist Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye emphasised that the Rukun Negara must continue to be internalised and practiced as an essential foundation in building an united, peaceful, and harmonious nation-state, especially in an increasingly challenging world.
He said the five principles of the Rukun Negara - namely Belief in God, Loyalty to King and Country, Supremacy of the Constitution, Rule of Law, and Good behaviour and Morality - carry vital values that serve as the backbone of the nation's stability and harmony.
"These principles are highly relevant in a pluralistic society like Malaysia, which comprises various races, religions, and cultures," he said in a statement.
Lee added that since its introduction in 1970 following the dark events of May 13, 1969, the Rukun Negara is not merely a pledge recited at official functions or memorised by students in schools, but a national philosophy that must be understood, internalised, and practiced in daily life.
He stressed that internalising the Rukun Negara can foster a society with moral values, discipline, integrity, and patriotism, while also promoting a culture of mutual respect and tolerance among people of various races and religions, and rejecting cultures of hatred, slander, extremism, and division that can threaten national unity.
"In today's world, which is increasingly challenging with the influence of social media, the spread of fake news, and racially and religiously charged speeches that can disrupt national unity, the internalisation of the Rukun Negara needs to be revitalised," he said.
He added that all parties, including families, schools, institutions of higher learning, the media, community organisations, and national leaders, must play a role in ensuring that the principles of the Rukun Negara continue to be understood and practiced by the people.
Lee said the younger generation must also be educated to understand that unity, mutual respect, and civic responsibility are the foundations of the nation's progress and stability.
"Therefore, efforts to strengthen the internalisation of the Rukun Negara must be carried out continuously through more effective education, awareness campaigns, and community programmes. The Rukun Negara must serve as a lifestyle and a moral compass in community and national life," he said.
He further stated that if every citizen truly understands, internalises, and practices the principles of the Rukun Negara, Malaysia will remain a peaceful, stable, progressive, and united nation. - BERNAMA