KUALA LUMPUR: The National Unity Advisory Council (MPPN) Meeting No. 2/2024 was chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof on Oct 16 at the Malaysian Parliament.
The meeting was also attended by National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang, along with 12 council members consisting of prominent community figures.
“Among the key discussions of this MPPN meeting was the approval of proposals for the development of social and physical spaces within low-cost urban strata housing Neighbourhood Watch Areas (KRT),” said the Ministry of National Unity in a press statement.
This initiative aims to empower and strengthen community relationships and development in Malaysia through social and physical spaces as integration platforms, in line with the effort to empower Progressive KRT.
“Low-cost strata housing areas will be identified based on recommendations and agreements between the Department of National Unity and National Integration (JPNIN), KRT chairpersons, the Joint Management Bodies (JMB), and the residents involved in this project,” it said.
Sites will be chosen based on the activity levels and positive participation of KRTs and local residents; densely populated areas; and strata housing areas without communal spaces/limited communal spaces/existing spaces that need improvement to meet current needs.
“This project is also hoped to empower communities by providing them with spaces to gather, interact, and conduct various activities that foster a sense of neighbourhood spirit,” it said.
The meeting also discussed the Social Cohesion Model Development Study for Sabah and Sarawak by a research team from Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS).
The study found that the level of social cohesion in Sabah and Sarawak is high.
This Sabah and Sarawak Social Cohesion Model can serve as a guide to strengthen national unity and integration through several strategies, such as bridging social gaps via human capital and infrastructure development, and practising openness through regional integration and cross-cultural programs.
Fadillah noted that efforts to harmonise Malaysia’s diverse races, religions, and cultures must be further enhanced by the ministry, including by the private sector.
He also urged the ministry to hold more interfaith dialogues to foster understanding, respect, and acceptance.
Furthermore, the meeting unanimously selected Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye as chairman of the MPPN Subcommittee tasked with monitoring and addressing hate speech and inflammatory statements that could disrupt social harmony and cohesion.
The meeting also agreed that MPPN membership should be enhanced by involving other ministries such as the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Higher Education, Ministry of Youth and Sports, Ministry of Communications, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, and the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development.
Ago informed that the ministry will continue to focus on fostering unity, patriotism, national identity, compassion, volunteerism, and goodwill among Malaysians.
“Through this, the Ministry of National Unity can create integration platforms that enhance social interaction among Malaysians of different races through various initiatives and programs,” it said.
