More Wholesome Rukun Negara Education To Instill Appreciation - Malaysian Minister

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 26 (Bernama) -- The Rukun Negara (Malaysia's National Principles) education is not another subject to be taught in schools but will be a comprehensive element in the school curriculum and community activities that will instill an appreciation of the five principles. Communications and Multimedia Saifuddin Abdullah said a Rukun Negara club has already been established in every school and a Rukun Negara secretariat in each university. “It is not a new subject (to be taught) but it is to be absorbed in a subtle and smart manner through existing subjects so that the values will be appreciated," he said when interviewed over Bernama TV’s Ruang Bicara programme on Wednesday night. Previously, Saifuddin announced the proposed task force to prepare the content and long-term programme for the Rukun Negara Education will be led by National Unity Minister, Halimah Mohamed Sadique. Saifuddin said the education system was good enough, but there was a need for a new approach to inculcate the spirit of patriotism among students. Taking the current COVID-19 pandemic as an example, he said, the situation drew the people together, regardless of race, in showing their appreciation towards the frontliners for the sacrifices they made to contain the outbreak. “When talking about the spirit of independence and patriotism, often it will be associated with heroes such as soldiers or the police, but the COVID-19 situation teaches us that a doctor and a nurse, a food delivery rider, journalists are the frontliners (heroes). "So it should also be instilled in school children, in addition to patriotic songs, flying the flag… being patriotic also means collecting garbage and maintaining cleanliness," he explained. Meanwhile, Saifuddin admitted that several political leaders do not reflect the values behind the fifth principle of Rukun Negara (courtesy and morality) especially during the parliamentary session. "We don’t have to shout insults or berate others, at times we should learn from other countries oh how they conduct themselves in their houses (of Representatives), (they are) courteous and use fine language," he said. -- BERNAMA