East coast states record high unity score

 Deputy national unity minister R Yuneswaran says Pahang recorded the highest score nationwide, reflecting the strong community values, tolerance and close social ties among the people.

Deputy national unity minister R Yuneswaran adding the finishing touches to a painting at a booth during the eastern zone 2026 Unity Week celebration in Kota Bharu today. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA:

 The east coast states in the peninsula have recorded one of the highest scores in the National Unity Index, achieving 0.741 last year, says deputy national unity minister R Yuneswaran.

He said this reflected the strong community values, tolerance and close social ties among the people, with Pahang recording the highest score nationwide, Bernama reported.

At the national level, Malaysia registered a score of 0.701 in 2025, placing it at a moderately high level of unity.

“(The index) serves as a strategic instrument to help the government identify gaps and determine appropriate interventions, ensuring every policy contributes meaningfully to strengthening unity,” he said when closing the eastern zone 2026 Unity Week celebration in Kota Bharu today.

Yuneswaran said unity remains the core foundation in nation-building.

“The concept of a nation should not be narrowly defined by a single race or culture. Instead, it is shaped by people of diverse races and religions who are united under a shared national identity,” he said.

He said ongoing challenges, particularly related to ethnicity, media influence, politics and socio-economic disparities, still need to be addressed.

“The government is now adopting more strategic and targeted measures,” he said. - FMT