National unity: Do not forget May 13

The creation of the Rukun Negara (National Principles) following the May 13 tragedy in 1969 was a move by the government to bridge the divide between the different races.

The Rukun Negara officially adopted on 31st of Aug 1970 underpins harmony and unity in the Malaysian society.

"Rukun Negara is one of the largest charters ever created in the country. It has two components which are the aspirations and principles and these had received the consensus of all races in the country then.

"Malaysians should take Rukun Negara seriously and appreciate its philosophy if they want to live in peace and harmony.

"In the present day context, the government should revive the campaign to help people understand and appreciate the Rukun Negara," said Datuk Omar Hashim in an interview with Bernama at the Malaysian Historical Society's (PSM) office in Wisma Sejarah here recently.

Rukun Negara is made up of five principles - Kepercayaan kepada Tuhan (Believe In God), Kesetiaan kepada Raja dan Negara (Loyalty To The King and Country), Keluhuran Perlembagaan (Supremacy Of The Constitution), Kedaulatan Undang-undang (Rule Of Law), and Kesopanan dan Kesusilaan (Courtesy And Morality).

In the bigger picture, the Rukun Negara not only strives to achieve greater unity but also to create a just society in which the wealth of the nation shall be equitably shared, ensure a liberal approach to Malaysia's rich and diverse cultural traditions, and build a progressive society.

NEW ECONOMIC POLICY (DEB)

Omar, the society's chairman, also refers to the New Economic Policy (DEB) launched in 1970 under the Second Malaysia Plan (2MP) for the period of 20 years aimed to deal with the social and economic imbalance that sparked the May 13 tragedy.

Under the DEB, the Malaysian society was to be restructured and though the affirmative actions favoured Malays, poverty eradication was meant for all.

The move was also aimed at equal distribution of the nation's wealth between the Bumiputra and non-Bumiputra.

According to Omar, by the time DEB expired in 1990 it had achieved success in many areas though the outcome could have been better for the Bumiputras.

"The DEB is the most effective instrument in enhancing the Malay socio-economic confidence and enhancing the nation's stability.

"Unfortunately, after the expiry of the DEB it was replaced with other polices without the same spirit.

"There is no guarantee of stability if the Malays and Bumiputra lose their confidence or their political, economic and educational dominance.

"And this is the real key to Malaysia's stability," he said.

He suggested that the DEB should be reviewed and revived, taking a cue from the past and address any weaknesses in the effort to ensure more effective implementation of the policy.

One of the mechanisms needed are regular monitoring and auditing of achievements based on pre-determined targets, which were lacking in the past.

DO NOT FORGET HISTORY

It has been more than 40 years since May 13 tragedy occured, thus today's younger generation may not have any idea about the events leading to the tragedy.

Omar is not happy looking at the current developments in national unity.

He points to what he describes as 'partisan politics' that impedes any move in our national interests.

Omar said the importance now is more on political parties, despite this being against our national interest.

Partisan politics contributed to friction among ethnic groups and this had been proven by the May 13 tragedy, he said.

"Everything is being politicised now to the extent that it hampers the nation's institutions and administration from functioning smoothly.

"If the opposition continues to pressure the nation's institutions, this will lead to detrimental effects," Omar noted.

"The situation now indicates that some members of society have lost confidence in government institutions and no longer have their trust in the police, judicial system, and country's leaders.

"This is something terrible and this lack of trust syndrome is the result of partisan politics," he stressed.

FEDERAL CONSTITUTION

Further, Omar calls on the government to make it compulsory for students and undergraduates to understand the main principles behind the Federal Constitution.

"Constitutional experts have told us that the Malaysian Constitution is an organic document that exhibits extraordinary skills in terms of justice, equality and goals of the country.

" I call for the restoration of the people's confidence and national unity by focusing on several unifying pillars, including the Malay language, and implement them firmly," he said.

He also calls for the firm implementation within the national education system the recommendations by the Razak Report.

In this context, national schools should be given priority in terms of having the best infrastructure, teachers, and other facilities. This is apart from providing lessons in English, Chinese and Tamil in an orderly manner.

Given this, national schools will be able to attract more non-Malays.

"The national school will become the premier school where all Malaysian children will study and compete together under one roof further fostering unity.

"We will rise or stumble as one nation, depending on our wisdom in handling the ethnic relations in our society," said Omar.

He added that Malaysians actually have many strengths, as a nation of many races, above and beyond having a high level of tolerance and traditions of being able to live together in peace and harmony.

"These are the assets which should be utilised to develop a more formidable unity. In the situation of uncertainties in the world now, Malaysia to me is an oasis of prosperity, beauty and wealth," he declared.

- Bernama