CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND

ANALYSIS AND IMPLICATION

OF THE TRAGEDY

THE OBJECTIVES OF RUKUN NEGARA

THE PRINCIPLE OF RUKUN NEGARA

CONCLUSION

REFERENCE

INTRODUCTION

Even though most of the people in the country has heard of Rukun Negara, the understanding and the level of knowledge about it varies very much between each individual. Most of them only know about the existence of the Rukun Negara, while some are only able to repeat the principle. However, there are some who understand the meaning as well as the message and the demands of each principle. Rukun Negara should be taken as a guide in our day-to-day living because it is a set of “national tenets” that teaches us the right norms of behaviour. There are two types of dimensions of relationship involved wherever there is human interaction. These two relationships are relationship among fellow human beings and relationship with god. Both of these two dimensions of relationships are recognised by all religions and all profess doing the right things in life. The principles of Rukun Negara ideologise the level the level of authority that control and guide us from the level of god down to the state level, institutions level and finally the self level. The entire background of the ideology and the purpose for creating it must be clearly understood by an individual to internalise the spirits of Rukun Negara. Ideology means a scheme of ideas at the basic of a system. When we say that Rukun Negara is a national ideology it refers to the principles of “living policies” to be used as the peoples guide and actions. In other words Rukun Negara contains values in nationhood as well as social norms covering all aspects of life. It also is an arrangement of ways (principles) for group living.

BACKGROUND

The Rukun Negara was officially proclaimed by Yang diPertuan Agong on 31 august 1971. This idea was made after the bloody tragedy of May 13 1969 where a racial clash had eroded among some races in Malaysia. After the racial clash was solved, a special force was formed to protect the people’s life and make their daily work with a sense of responsibility and also makes them feel safe and assured. This ideology also has developed the people’s life with a sense of patriotism and love for the country. By analysis what actually started the May 13 riot is because of some supporters of a political party which they are the opposing camp has won the election and they were celebrating their victory in the general election. The opposition party has broken the confines of the law and social ethics and they did some humiliating shouts and showed unruly behaviour towards the people. This has made the people from the other party to get angered towards the opposition party. This two opposing parties happened to be very communal in nature. One was predominantly Chinese and the other party was purely Malays. After that, uncontrolled exchanges of words between these two parties developed and confrontation became more unruly and when exploited by some irresponsible elements, racial clash happens between the Chinese and Malays that flared into a bloody tragedy. To overcome this tragedy, the government has imposed curfew and declared a state of emergency by invoking the 1948 Emergency Ordinance. In line with the emergency enforcement, parliament was suspended. The responsibilities of the government were immediately taken over by a national operations council (NOC).

THE OBJECTIVES OF RUKUN NEGARA

The rationale behind the creation of the rukun Negara is very clear for the above discussion has outlined some historical episodes together with their analysis and implications, the attitude and stand of authorities as well as of the rakyat in relation to the issues concerned. In brief the whole scenario was as follows:

• The bloody conflict between the two major races, the Malays and the Chinese has already been going on for more than 50 years.

• Although the wound healed over time yet had been caused to bleed again whenever brushed by some racial incident because the “scar of the sentiment” still remains.

Rukun Negara was designed to achieve the following five objectives:

• To achieve greater unity among people.

• To maintain a democratic way of life.

• To create a just society in which the nation’s wealth can be enjoyed together in a fair and equitable manner.

• To ensure a liberal attitude towards the rich and diverse cultural traditions.

• To build a progressive society which shall be orientated towards modern science and technology.

It could be clearly seen that the five objectives of the Rukun Negara are directed towards a modern and progressive nation where all the people live together in harmony and enjoy the nation’s riches in a fair and just manner, in a peaceful environment, giving respect to each other despite ethnic and cultural differences.

THE PRINCIPLES OF RUKUN NEGARA

Rukun Negara ("National Principles") is the declaration of national philosophy instituted by royal proclamation on independence day, 1970, in reaction to a serious race riot known as the May 13 Incident which occurred in 1969 between the Chinese and Malays in Malaysia. There are five principles in Rukun Negara; these five principles have been set to guide the behavior and actions of individual or groups of individual within this country. The five principles are Belief in God, Loyalty to King and Country, Upholding the Constitution, Rule of Law, Decorum and Morality.

Belief in God is on the top of Rukun Negara principles because it emphasizes the importance of religion and the individual’s religious conviction which means believing in its teaching no matter what religion one follows. This is due to all of the religions teach their followers to do good and prevent them from conducting ill behavior. In summary with religious conviction, an individual knows the concept of sin and deeds, so this will lead the individuals to be motivated to do good.

Loyalty to King and Country, this principle was developed to implant every individual in the nation with the felling of love and concern for the country and King. The King, which is Yang diPertuan Agong, is the supreme ruler of our nation. He is the symbol of strength for our nation. This principle will incorporate the citizens with a sense of responsibility, patriotism, and sacrifice towards the country, by following this attitudes and action we can develop love and care for the country and enhancing understanding between the races within our country.

Upholding the Constitution, constitution is highest source of law in Malaysia. It contains the procedures and techniques used to make and amend the law. Because of its supremacy, and authority it should be upheld with reverence. The Constitution was prepared before the country got its independence and contains matters on how the country should operate. It also underlines the position of the ruler, position of bumiputeras and non bumiputeras, provisions of citizenship and many more. The constitution is a document of social contract for all Malaysian of all races and culture. Due to the sovereignty of the constitution no person or party should ever raise any controversy on matters related to it and it should be ever upheld by everyone within this nation.

The Rule of Law is a saying that states no one is above the law. Laws are created to guarantee the social order and behavior of members of society. This fourth principle was developed to show the power of legislation. It allows the society to do their day to day affairs without any interventions as long as they follow and obey the rule that had been stated down. The rule of law must be continuously carried out so that to ensure the well-being of citizens and to punish deviants on the other hand.

Decorum and Morality, this means that a good individual character would almost always aware of what is right and wrong. This fifth principle aims to develop members of society that have good etiquette and virtuous character among Malaysian citizens. This principle could be reached by observing and thinking carefully before speaking or acting. By following this principle we could create a very harmonious and fruitful relationship within our community. It is obvious that this principle is important. Although it is the last of the five principles, it is a basic need for an individual’s personality.

CONCLUSION

The Rukun Negara was developed and implemented quite suddenly. It was created after the May 13 tragedy when racial riots broke down. The tragedy thought us much. The first action that the government took to restore the confidence and peace to people was by appointing a committee to formulate a national ideology. The committee came out with five principles, which is known by Rukun Negara today. It was launched with an aim that it would produce a Malaysian society that is democratic, loyal to the country, and open to the way of life of other races. Throughout years Rukun Negara still remains fresh and functional. Its objectives and principles together with the spirit it carries have been implanted into the mind of all Malaysian no matter what age or social background. Although the birth of Rukun Negara was mainly to control and maintain the well being of citizens after the May 13 riot, it proved to be more than that, as it foster understanding and unity among the races in the country. It is not only a cure but also a prevention method that proved to be a very effective.

REFERENCE

Nazarudin Hj. Mohd Jali, Ma’rof Redzuan, Asnarulkhadi Abu Samah, Ismail Hj. Mohd Rashid, Malaysian Studies, Pearson Prentice Hall, Malaysia.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rukunegara