A united Malaysia, caring for one another

As we celebrate the 63rd anniversary of Merdeka Day and the 57th anniversary of Malaysia Day with the theme Malaysia Prihatin (Malaysia Cares), we also mark the 50th anniversary of the Rukun Negara, our national blueprint for national unity promulgated on 31 August 1970.

Aug 31, 2020

As we celebrate the 63rd anniversary of Merdeka Day and the 57th anniversary of Malaysia Day with the theme Malaysia Prihatin (Malaysia Cares), we also mark the 50th anniversary of the Rukun Negara, our national blueprint for national unity promulgated on 31 August 1970.

Fifty years on and guided by its principles of Belief in God, Loyalty to King and Country, Supremacy of the Constitution, the Rule of Law, Courtesy and Morality, we need to ask ourselves: are we making progress in achieving its goals of: 

––Achieving and fostering better unity amongst the society;
––Preserving a democratic way of life; 
–Creating a just society where the prosperity of the country can be enjoyed together in a fair and equitable manner;
–– Ensuring a liberal approach towards the rich and varied cultural traditions; and 
––Building a progressive society that will make use of science and modern technology?

With the worldwide onslaught of COVID-19, churches cried out in unity for the mercy and grace of Almighty God and we give heartfelt thanks that today, the deadly virus seems to be contained in Malaysia and “green shoots” can be seen in its economy which experienced a double digit contraction in May. In addition to the Federal Government’s Bantuan Prihatin Nasional (National Care Assistance) economic stimulus package introduced in March, encouragingly, Malaysians from all walks of life came together speedily as individuals and through religious and secular groups, to contribute funds, food, rental assistance and emotional support to those with the greatest need whether Malaysian or otherwise. Non-governmental and civil service organisations also swung into action to produce personal protective equipment for frontline workers who unwaveringly put their lives at risk for others.

For them and for all who have ably led and continue to lead the nation’s containment, mitigation and recovery efforts, we give thanks.

Distressingly, 2020 will also be remembered for the untimely change of government precipitated by the resignation of our former Prime Minister and the switching of allegiances willy-nilly by elected representatives in apparent disregard for the mandate of the constituents who voted for them in a democratic electoral process.

The COVID-19 pandemic having reminded us how vulnerable not only individuals but also nations are, surely this is a time when we must come together one and all, in unity, to care for each other and for the communities we live in. The lockdown has reminded us anew that many still live on the periphery in desperate circumstances. They need to be assured that their basic needs for shelter, sustenance, safety and economic security will be met because the resources so richly bestowed upon our country are distributed fairly and equitably among all who call this country home.

A nation cannot prosper when the children of the forlorn and forgotten cannot even receive the education they need because they do not have the electronic devices which most count as necessities or because they cannot access schools in far off locations. Left behind, they cannot be the force which this nation will surely need to rebuild once the devastating effects of the current crisis abate.

Rebuild we must, although the costs of battling COVID-19 are high! Lives have been lost, livelihoods and businesses have been fundamentally impacted both by the lockdown and the ensuing slowdown and hundreds of billions have been spent on stimulus packages.

At this significant time for all of us as a nation, we call on the Government and all in positions of authority and influence to commit earnestly to pursuing the foundational objectives of the Rukun Negara and to anchor all policy decisions for Malaysia on the guiding principles enshrined in it. As some of our own intellectuals have suggested, the Government should seriously consider placing the Rukun Negara as the preamble to our Federal Constitution.

Let us all continue to pray for the well-being of Malaysia and for the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the Rulers, Governors, the Prime Minister and members of the Cabinet, State Menteris Besar and Chief Ministers and members of Parliament, Executive Councils and State Assemblies. May they be imbued with wisdom, courage, strength and good health to lead Malaysia to overcome this challenging time and move into a future of prosperity to be enjoyed not just by some but by all of its people.

Let one and all support all Governmental directives on containing COVID-19, show and do acts of unusual kindness to all in need and, in caring for one another and having an attitude of care and blessing, forge a new unity to emerge even stronger from this time of crisis and need. May Malaysia Prihatin be our common cry!

To our fellow Malaysians, SELAMAT HARI MERDEKA and SELAMAT HARI MALAYSIA. 

August 28, 2020

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