4.

RUKUN NEGARA: THE NATIONAL IDEOLOGY

RUKUN NEGARA Belief in God Loyalty to King and Country Upholding the Constitution Rule of Law

Decorum and Morality

4.1.1 The Background of Rukun Negara

Date 13 May 1969 Incidence/Instrument Racial clash erupted Notes a local quarrel flared into a racial clash 16 May 1969 The Yang di-Pertuan Agong(YDA) declared a state of emergency. Parliament was suspended. NOC was formed. Special Ordinance (Special powers) Emergency, 1969 August-Dec 1969 Special Peace and Development bodies formed: 29 Jan 1970 National Muhibah Committee National Unity Department Advisory body for National Operations Council (NOC) Formulated normative guidance and set of values for unity Declaration by YDA on Malaysias 13th Independence Curfew enforced Assemblies banned Security controls tightened

Later combined to form the Ministry of National Unity

National Consultative/Unity Council was formed Special Rukun Negara committee was setup

31 August 1970

Rukun Negara as National Ideology was formalized

Anniversary Table 4.0: Background to the Formulation of Rukun Negara

4.1.2 Analysis and Implications of the Tragedy

1. The bloody tragedy of May 13 shocked the whole nation. 2. The implications of the incident in terms of economy and politics were serious concerns that lingered in the minds of the leaders as well as the rakyat. 3. Thus, many lessons had been learnt from the tragedy especially in the context of racial conflict especially between the Malays and the Chinese for more than 50 years.

4.1.3 The Objectives of Rukun Negara

Figure 4.0: The objectives of Rukun Negara

Objectives of Rukun Negara are directed towards developing a modern and progressive nation where the people together enjoy the nations riches in a fair and just manner, in a peaceful environment, respecting each other, despite ethnic and cultural differences.

4.1.4 The Principles of Rukun Negara

1. Five principles have been set to achieve the five objectives of Rukun Negara. 2. Five principles coincide with five levels of duties demanded of every Malaysian by five sources of authority or sanction points. 3. Five principles are like slogans which are precise and clear rather than elaborate essay. 4. They are easily understood and remembered.

Figure 4.1: Status Set in the Context of Rukun Negara Rukun Negara Belief in God Description The importance of religious values and belief so that people are healthy in their thinking, inclined to do good and avoid evil. Loyalty to King and Instils patriotism, responsibility and readiness to serve.

Country Upholding the Constitution Rule of Law It is noble or glorious because it is supreme source if legislation. Everybody should have responsibility to obey the enforcement bodies like the Police. Decorum and Morality it is wholesome qualities upon which a sound personality is built. Table 4.1: The Principles of Rukun Negara