A 10-year policy to strengthen Malaysian unity

The policy is based on the Federal Constitution and Rukun Negara, and will be one of the key components to achieve the SPV2030

by AFIQ AZIZ / pic by BERNAMA

FOLLOWING the formation of the National Unity Ministry in March last year, the government yesterday launched a 10-year policy to strengthen unity among Malaysians.

The National Unity Policy and Blueprint (Unity Blueprint) 2021-2030 outlines an inclusive, clear and cohesive formula to ensure the preservation of national unity for the country’s continuous stability and prosperity.

Prime Minister (PM) Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin (picture) said the policy, which was designed based on the Federal Constitution and Rukun Negara, will be one of the key components to achieve the national Shared Prosperity Vision (SPV) 2030.

The blueprint, themed “Unity in Diversity” is the government’s acknowledgement that unity is the backbone of the country’s prosperity, said Muhyiddin.

“Historically, we have accepted the fact that the society of this country came from different religions, race and culture.

“Because of this diversity, efforts towards creating unity must be complemented and based on continuous integration efforts,” he said at the policy’s launch, which also marked the first time that the government came up with a specific policy addressing national unity.

Muhyiddin said a long-term strategy was also formulated through the policy which outlines continuous efforts to foster, strengthen and preserve unity among the people.

The three main objectives of the policy are to strengthen unity and national integration based on the Federal Constitution and the Rukun Negara; form a national identity with character, patriotism, consideration, tolerance, mutual respect and responsibility, as well as producing Malaysians who appreciate and foster unity.

Muhyiddin said strong support from all parties, including the NGOs and related stakeholders is vital to mobilise the agenda.

Citing how the challenges and impact of the pandemic had sparked unity among Malaysians, with all layers of the society seen helping each other survive that trying times, Muhyiddin said it should be continued beyond the Covid-19 crisis.

During the past 12 months, individuals and groups have shown their empathy regardless of colour and creed in the battle against Covid-19 which had impacted people’s livelihood.

“We need to continue to nurture empathy among Malaysians in order to understand each other from a more balanced and comprehensive perspective,” he added.

On a similar note, Muhyiddin gave out a stern reminder on manipulative racial sentiments by some politicians, describing it as the main challenge for most multiracial countries.

He said politicians who try to gain political mileage by stirring up racial issues must be avoided.

“The government does not compromise in matters that could jeopardise national unity.

“It was based on this principle that the Ministry of National Unity was created — to shoulder the responsibility and to ensure the success of the national unity agenda,” he said.

The National Unity and Community Development Ministry was dissolved after the 11th General Election in 2004 under the premiership of Tun Abdullah Badawi, with its last Minister Tan Sri Dr Siti Zaharah Sulaiman.

Since then, national unity related agencies have been placed under the PM’s department, while community development matters were parked under the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry.

Read our previous report here