Rukunegara
The Rukunegara (Nationhood) is the national pledge of Malaysia. Introduced in 1971 as a result of the riots of 13 May 1969 caused by ethnic tensions, the Rukunegara consists of five principles, which act as the pillars of the national philosophy. The Rukunegara was formulated in an attempt to base national unity on certain concepts that are acceptable to all citizens, regardless of ethnic or religious differences. The Rukunegara is usually pledged in school assemblies, at formal gatherings, and on nationally celebrated occasions.
The Rukunegara is formulated as follows:
Our Nation, Malaysia, is dedicated to achieving a greater unity for all her peoples; to maintaining a democratic way of life; to creating a just society in which the wealth of the nation shall be equitably distributed; to ensuring a liberal approach to her rich and diverse cultural traditions; and to building a progressive society which shall be oriented to modern science and technology.
We, her peoples, pledge our united efforts to attain these ends guided by these principles: belief in God, loyalty to king and country, upholding the constitution, rule of law; good behavior and morality.
In the first principle the word "God" is used instead of "Allah"; since the majority of Malaysians are Muslim, this implies a respect for other religious beliefs. The second principle expresses the respect due the king as the country's ruler. The third principle expresses the respect due the constitution as Malaysia's highest law. The fourth principle emphasizes the supremacy of the rule of law. The fifth principle recognizes Malaysia's multiethnic society and expresses the idea that mutual respect between ethnic groups is necessary in order to achieve national unity.
The Rukunegara was also formulated to unite the citizens of Malaysia, who had previously been divided under the British "divide and rule" policy. Under colonial administration, the three main races (Malays, Chinese, and Indians) had been segregated and oppressed, a strategy the British hoped would avoid any interaction that might undermine their rule. The Rukunegara is also intended to accelerate the national development into a more progressive society.
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