By Melati Mohd Ariff
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 4 (Bernama) -- Come August 31, Rukunegara would be 34 years old and based on its history the five principles should have been our way of life and not treated as only a pledge, to be occasionally read, fullstop.
Proclaimed on Merdeka Day 1970 by the fourth Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the Rukunegara was formulated after the nation was rocked with the racial riot of May 13, 1969. It was to bind and unify the people of Malaysia who at that time still harboured a deep sense of racism and racial prejudice.
It was also to be used as a guidance in the formation of one Nation regardless of race and religion.
Rukunegara consists of two parts: The first envisions the kind of society desired as stated in the following pledge:
"Our Nation, MALAYSIA, being dedicated - to achieving a greater unity of all her peoples; to maintaining a democratic way of life; to creating a just society in which the wealth of the nation shall be equitably shared; to ensuring a liberal approach to her rich and diverse cultural traditions; to building a progressive society which shall be oriented to modern science and technology."
The second part outlined the five principles - Belief in God; Loyalty to the King and Country; Supremacy of the Constitution; Sovereignty of the Law and Good Behaviour and Morality -- embodying all the high values to mould a Malaysian society that is free from vengeance, envy and prejudice.
RUKUNEGARA ADVICE
Recently Malaysians are advised to "go back and appreciate the principles of Rukunegara in their every day lives to strengthen nation-building." The call was made by Tan Sri Ghazali Shafie, one of the architects of the Rukunegara who had once held the post of Information Minister, Home Minister and Foreign Minister.
The Principles of Rukunegara, he said, "must be used as a benchmark in implementing various projects and jobs. This include all politicians, lawyers and civil servants."
According to him, "the failure to practise the principles of Rukunegara has impacted many projects including corruption."
Ghazali had probably made the statement after "a lengthy observation" based on his broad experience in and outside the government. He probably did not like what he saw happening in the Malaysian society of today.
What is certain is that his call should be heeded and the Rukunegara should be re-emphasized, especially among the younger generations, so said several leaders including religious leaders when contacted by Bernama.
Malaysian Umno Youth Movement Exco, Datuk Firdaus Ismail said the call made by Ghazali is timely in view of the current situation.
LIVE UP THE SPIRIT
"Many Malaysians, especially the younger generations don't appreciate the principles of Rukunegara. There are even those who cannot remember them. I once asked some primary school children and they told me they couldn't remember.
"Look also at our youngsters, the way they dressed. They have more regard for foreign culture than their own. I worry that in the end the Rukunegara will no longer be regarded as something that is noble. Malaysians should take pride in Rukunegara as Indonesians do with their Panca Sila," said Firdaus, who is also a former Imam of Masjid Negara.
He said what is needed is to find a mechanism to revive the spirit of appreciating the principles of Rukunegara.
To that effect, he called for the civics subject to be re-introduced in primary and secondary schools that would emphasize on statehood, the principles of Rukunegara and its interpretation.
"When I was in school, I learnt alot on the principles of Rukunegara through civics. Now they don't teach civics anymore. I like to call for this subject to be revived.
KNOW THE INTERPRETATION OF EACH PRINCIPLE
"Equally important is the interpretation of each principle. The first principle, for example, Belief in God. If we were to hold to this principle, our moral will be taken care of. This principle is for all religions and beliefs. We should respect all religions. We must have tolerance and if we are to appreciate this, hatred of other religions will not arise," he explained.
Firdaus said civics will also teach the younger generation not only to love their country but also to respect their leaders.
"Now we can see the signs of disrespect and some even don't know who is the head of state, who are their leaders," he added.
Understanding the principles is also as important as understanding the objective of the Rukunegara, namely, to create a just, unified, liberal and democratic society.
According to the President of International Movement for a Just World (JUST) Dr Chandra Muzaffar, Malaysians also need to look at the overall history of Rukunegara and its relation with two other important documents, namely, the National Constitution and Vision 2020 which are important processes in our history respectively.
"Our Constitution was made in 1957 as the framework for the country's concept taking into consideration the history, the current situation and the society's need as the basis for our country. After May 13, 1969, we realised that we need a document that would outline with more precision and detailed the future of our country besides adding and strengthening the existing Constitution," explained Dr. Chandra.
VISION 2020
He said Vision 2020 that was introduced in 1991 explained in detail "certain aspects of Rukunegara so as to give an overall picture on the country's noble aspirations."
Even though Rukunegara is still being recited at primary and secondary's school assemblies, Dr. Chandra said "reciting without understanding its purpose and objective will not have any meaning for the society. We should practise them. Practice becomes a problem due to weakness in the monitoring system."
He also questioned whether any effort is made to ensure students understand the purpose and objective of the Rukunegara that they are reciting.
"Take for example 'Good Behaviour and Morality'. In this case, our students should possess good ethical values that are also included in Vision 2020. There is a link but do teachers and parents really monitor their behaviour and who do they associate with or show healthy examples to the younger generation?" asked Dr. Chandra.
He however said it is still not too late to make amend and at the same time there is also a need for a change in mindset involving all including leaders, religious groups, influential people and parents themselves.
RELIGIOUS PERSPECTIVE
President of the Sasana Abhiwurdhi Wardhana Society, Sarath W. Surendre, said based on what is happening today including crimes which are alarming, Malaysians should go back to the principles of Rukunegara and adhere to the teachings of their religions.
He hoped that the government would not concentrate in its efforts to instill Islamic values only amongst the Muslims of this country. "The government is actively explaining to the Muslims on the concept of Islam Hadari. I hope the government would also make the same effort in the application of values of other religions," he added.
Sarath who is also a teacher for the past 30 years said school children do not appreciate the principles of Rukunegara and at the same time they do not have a sense of belonging to their schools.
"There's something missing here. They no longer have a sense of belonging," said Sarath who is also the honorary treasurer of the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism and Sikhism.
He said there is a need for a study to identify the causes of problems like polarisation in schools. Or why the close relation between the races is losing its warmth.
SCHOOLS AND INSTITUTIONS OF LEARNING
President of the Malaysian Hindu Sanggam, Datuk A. Vaitilingam, said what is required now is to give emphasis to the importance of Rukunegara not only in schools but also other institutions of learning as it is lacking now.
He said what need to be emphasized include respect for the law. "Nowadays there are certain members of the younger generation who don't seem to respect the rule of law and order. The government needs to come out and stress on civic mindedness and responsibilities, for example, in public places.
"Even though they can be fined, there are some who openly flout the law. Therefore, monitoring and enforcement must be stressed," he added.
On racial unity, he said it is of utmost important for all to understand that all religions possess good values.
General-Secretary of the Council of Churches in Malaysia (CCM), Rev. Dr. Hermen P. Shastri, said his side has always supported the principles of Rukunegara as the basis of governance of this country.
"We are in full support with the call made by Tan Sri Ghazali that we should go back to the Rukunegara as the pillar of our national mindset.
"The first principle 'Belief in God' for example signifies that all religions should co-exist peacefully and teach the people to respect each other and live in peace with one another," explained Dr. Hermen.
-- BERNAMA
Copyright 2003-2004 Azlan Adnan Legal Notice
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