Origins of the Rukun Negara
After the 13 May 1969 tragedy exposed the dangers of disunity, national leaders sought a shared set of beliefs to bind all Malaysians together. The Rukun Negara, the national ideology, was proclaimed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on 31 August 1970. It sets out national goals and the principles by which citizens should live.
The five principles
The Rukun Negara is built on five principles.
- Belief in God (Kepercayaan kepada Tuhan)
- Loyalty to King and Country (Kesetiaan kepada Raja dan Negara)
- Supremacy of the Constitution (Keluhuran Perlembagaan)
- The Rule of Law (Kedaulatan Undang-undang)
- Courtesy and Morality (Kesopanan dan Kesusilaan)
Key idea / 要点
The Rukun Negara (31 August 1970) has five principles: belief in God, loyalty to King and Country, supremacy of the Constitution, the rule of law, and courtesy and morality.
National goals and well-being
The Rukun Negara also states the goals of the nation: to achieve greater unity, to maintain a democratic way of life, to create a just society, to ensure a liberal approach to the nation's rich cultural traditions, and to build a progressive society using modern science and technology.
As a pillar of national well-being, the Rukun Negara guides behaviour, strengthens loyalty and reminds citizens of the constitution and the law. By living these principles, Malaysians help ensure lasting harmony, stability and prosperity.
Remember / 记住
- Proclaimed on 31 August 1970 by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
- Five principles: God; King and Country; Constitution; Rule of Law; Courtesy and Morality.
- Created after the 13 May 1969 tragedy.
- Goals include unity, democracy, a just and progressive society.