Tag: National Unity

Unity Week 2026: ‘Moments Of Unity’ Brings Malaysians Together Through Shared Experiences

KOTA KINABALU, June 12 -- The "Moments of Unity" concept forms the cornerstone of the National Unity Week (SMP) 2026 celebration at Likas Stadium here, creating opportunities for Malaysians from diverse backgrounds to connect through shared experiences that strengthen national cohesion. The four-day programme, organised by the National Unity Ministry and running from yesterday until Sunday, is among the flagship initiatives under the Unity Expedition programme themed "Together Building a Nation," with the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is scheduled to officiate it on Saturday. Sabah National Unity and Integration Department director Rina Ab Harun said the celebration carries significant meaning in efforts to foster harmony and reinforce the Malaysian identity within the country's multicultural society. Speaking to Bernama, she said SMP is more than a symbolic event, serving as an effective platform to promote social integration at the grassroots level and enable people to better appreciate the values underpinning national unity. "This is reflected through a wide range of programmes held throughout the celebration, including arts festivals, sporting activities, forums, cultural programmes and community initiatives that encourage meaningful interaction across communities and generations,” she said. Rina said such engagements were essential in narrowing social divides, cultivating empathy and strengthening the spirit of goodwill among Malaysians. Building on its nationwide outreach efforts, SMP 2026 was held from April to May across five zones, namely the Eastern, Northern, Southern, Central and Sarawak, before culminating in the national-level celebration in Sabah. She said Sabah is the fourth host of the national-level celebration after Sarawak in 2023, followed by Johor in 2024 and Penang last year. According to her, a wide range of activities covering sports, culture, arts and exhibitions, including ethnic house exhibitions and ethnic village displays, were held throughout the four-day programme. “SMP 2026 also features the Progressive Neighbourhood Watch Economic Carnival, handicraft sales, FoodUnites sales, Rahmah Sales and Agro MADANI Sales, as well as various stage performances and competitions, including creative ethnic dance contests,” she said. Rina urged all Malaysians, regardless of race, religion, region or background, to regard unity as a shared responsibility and a heritage that must be preserved with sincerity and awareness. She said unity is not merely a slogan but a way of life that begins with mutual understanding, respect, acceptance and appreciation of one another. "In an increasingly challenging world, Malaysia's true strength lies in our ability to remain united despite our diversity, whether in times of joy or adversity. "I hope this Unity Week celebration will serve as a catalyst for a new wave of awareness, particularly among the younger generation, that love for fellow citizens, tolerance and consensus are the most valuable assets in ensuring a peaceful, prosperous and inclusive future for the nation," she said. She also invited the public, especially those in Sabah, to attend and enliven the celebration, which offers an opportunity to celebrate cultural diversity and the spirit of togetherness while participating in a variety of family-friendly activities with free admission. -- BERNAMA

KOTA KINABALU, June 12 — The “Moments of Unity” concept forms the cornerstone of the National Unity Week (SMP) 2026 celebration at Likas Stadium here, creating opportunities for Malaysians from diverse backgrounds to connect through shared experiences that strengthen national cohesion. The four-day programme, organised by the National Unity Ministry and running from yesterday until […]

Yuneswaran Calls For Stronger Understanding Of Rukun Negara, Key To National Unity

KUALA LUMPUR, June 4 -- The Rukun Negara remains a fundamental pillar of national unity and must be understood and embraced by all Malaysians, Deputy National Unity Minister Datuk Seri R. Yuneswaran said. He said that while the national ideology is taught in schools, parents also play a crucial role in educating and reminding their children about its principles to strengthen unity and national identity. “We have been taught about and memorised Rukun Negara since our school days. If anyone still does not understand it, I believe they have failed to appreciate the true spirit of Malaysia. “The five principles of Rukun Negara form the foundation for uniting our society. I believe all politicians should also learn, understand and appreciate the purpose behind the establishment of the Rukun Negara.” He said this to reporters after a courtesy visit to Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai at Wisma Bernama today. Yuneswaran was commenting on remarks by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, on Monday, urging Malaysians to uphold the spirit of the Rukun Negara and stressing that those unwilling to abide by its principles do not deserve to be called Malaysian citizens. His Majesty also reminded political leaders not to provoke sensitive issues involving race, religion and royalty (3R) ahead of the election season. Yuneswaran said political leaders must set a positive example by refraining from exploiting 3R issues for political gain. “Racial issues are often played up by certain parties when they are unable to counter facts with facts. If the government has made mistakes, there are proper channels to raise concerns, such as through media statements, rather than spreading falsehoods. “If the government is wrong, offer constructive views. Any government would be willing to listen. But when 3R issues are used to create tension or advance political interests, we strongly reject such actions,” he said. He added that Malaysians are now more politically mature and assess leaders based on their service, performance and ability to unite communities rather than on racial or religious rhetoric. Meanwhile, Yuneswaran said his visit to Bernama was aimed at strengthening ties with the agency’s senior management and enhancing cooperation in disseminating information related to national unity. He also expressed appreciation for Bernama’s credible multilingual reporting, which helps the ministry address the spread of fake news and tensions fuelled by irresponsible individuals on social media. Also present were Bernama editor-in-chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj, deputy editor-in-chief (News Service) Mohd Shukri Ishak, and acting deputy editor-in-chief (Economic News Service) Harlina Samson. -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, June 4 — The Rukun Negara remains a fundamental pillar of national unity and must be understood and embraced by all Malaysians, Deputy National Unity Minister Datuk Seri R. Yuneswaran said. He said that while the national ideology is taught in schools, parents also play a crucial role in educating and reminding their […]