By Aliff Haiqal Mohamed
SHAH ALAM, Aug 18 — The Rukun Negara is not just something to be memorised or recited as a pledge, but must be truly embraced and practised as a way of life, Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari said.
He urged the public, particularly the younger generation, to make the principles of the Rukun Negara the foundation for character-building from their schooling days.
"Schools are where students should be nurtured and instilled with love for the nation, through efforts like upholding the good name of their school and family, and respecting teachers and friends," he said in a special address aired in school statewide today, in conjunction with the Selangor-level Unity Week 2025 celebration.
Amirudin said the upcoming 68th National Day (August 31) and 62nd Malaysia Day (September 16) celebrations are the perfect time for the rakyat to rekindle the spirit of patriotism and appreciate the true meaning behind the country's formation.
He stressed that the spirit of patriotism should be a responsibility expected of every citizen.
"Malaysians who uphold the principles of the Rukun Negara are responsible citizens. Our nation will not be able to progress economically, politically and socially if our citizens remain divided and at odds."
Earlier, 944 schools across the state participated in a simultaneous recitation of the Rukun Negara pledge, led by the Menteri Besar via a video screening, in conjunction with the Unity Week 2025 celebration.
The programme involved 282 secondary schools and 662 primary schools, with the participation of 980,668 students, teachers and school staff.
Meanwhile, Amirudin said the state-level Unity Week 2025 celebration will be held from August 22-24 at Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina (SJKC) Pandamaran B, Klang.
It will be organised by the State Committee for Rural Development and Unity together with the Selangor National Unity and Integration Department, in collaboration with the Selangor State Education Department.
