By Jacqueline David
KUCHING: The ‘Jelajah Belia Rukun Negara Zon Sarawak’ programme which was held here recently aimed to increase literacy, understanding and appreciation of Rukun Negara, especially among youth.
This programme also aimed to germinate ideas, philosophies and understandings related to the agenda of appreciating the Rukun Negara as an agent of unity, especially among the youth.
The programme, organised by the Department of National Unity and Integration (JPNIN) in collaboration with Pertubuhan IKRAM Malaysia (IKRAM), involved working youth, students of institutes of higher learning (IPT) and Form 6 students from nine schools here.
The Rukun Negara appreciation module used in this programme featured four themes, namely, ‘Kenapa & Mengapa’, ‘Mendakap Kepelbagaian’, ‘Kefahamanyang Mendalam terhadap Rukun Negara’ and ‘Pembinaan Jati Diri & Nilai’.
Each theme in the module has its own objectives such as strengthening unity and integration, applying Rukun Negara in building identity as well as increasing the awareness of participants on their role as ambassadors in enlivening Rukun Negara in the community.
When interviewed, some of the participants viewed the programme as an eye opener.They unanimously agreed that Rukun Negara could unite all Malaysians regardless of race, religion and background.
KARUNA KISHORI DORA, 20
(A nursing student and member of International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON))
‘Sarawak is the state model in Malaysia in terms of its unity in diversity. Its people are known for their politeness, hospitality and warmth. The Jelajah Belia Rukun Negara Zon Sarawak’ programme is
very important to national unity and integration not just in Sarawak but the whole of Malaysia’
ABANG MOHAMMAD IKRAM ABANG HASHIM, 22
(A student at IPG Kampus Batu Lintang)
‘This programme can unite the people, especially the youth. We know that the youth are the backbone of the country, so initiatives like this are important to inculcate the element of cooperation among a multi-racial, religious and racial society.’
NG WEI CHIA, 24
(From Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP))
‘I was excited to join this programme and travelled all the way from Sri Aman just to participate in it. This programme suits all youth and helps to deepen their knowledge about the Rukun Negara culture. Thank you to the organisers for holding the programme to unite people of various religions and races.
