There is no doubt that this year’s general election is passionate, thrilling and the centre of attention not only for Malaysians but for the entire world.
The election of the prime minister became such a hot topic among the people that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) released a statement urging the people to always preserve ethics and discipline when providing statements to ensure they do not contain slander, dispute, or insult the royal institution.
The people were told to respect the royal institution and refrain from expressing religious views and to be racially sensitive.
Harmony prevails in the country if every citizen understands the value of the Rukun Negara (National Principles) It was formed with the main purpose of forming a strong unity among the people of this country.
The five principles hold the key to harmony and unity in the country.
The first principle is Belief in God. In Malaysia, where there is religious freedom, it is necessary to maintain tolerance.
Loyalty to the King and the Country is the second principle. We must accept the national authority granted to the King by the Federal Constitution. We must uphold the order and command of the King and not dispute any decisions expressed by his Majesty.
The third principle is Supremacy of the Constitution. The Federal Constitution controls the conduct of all citizens and everyone must respect its contents.
The Rule of Law is the fourth principle that must be comprehended and observed with honesty and openness. As an organ of implementation, the judiciary will ensure that the misdeeds of the people are prosecuted accordingly.
The fifth and final principle is Courtesy and Morality. This genuinely safeguards our eastern culture, the culture of the Malaysian people, who are always polite and highly civilised in their words and actions.
A culture represents a nation. If what is presented is positive, then a nation’s image is positive.
Malaysia is positively regarded as a place where people of all races and religions can coexist peacefully.
All the principles of the Rukun Negara aim to develop and encourage greater social cohesion, safeguard a democratic way of life and establish a just society in which the country’s riches can be shared in a fair and equitable manner.
Therefore, every Malaysian must understand and appreciate the ideals of unity and solidarity among all races.
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** Dr Nur Aida Kipli (PhD) is a senior lecturer at Universiti Teknologi MARA, Kota Samarahan, Sarawak.
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DISCLAIMER
The views expressed here are those of the analyst and do not necessarily represent the views of New Sarawak Tribune.
