Malaysians must keep to the spirit of Rukun Negara – Lee Lam Thye

The spirit of Rukun Negara in the people, especially in the early days in the 70s and 80s, is part of the recipe for the harmony and unity enjoyed in the country, said social activist Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.

This spirit must be brought back to ensure that it is not lost from the souls of Malaysians, especially the younger generations, Lee said.

The trustee of the Malaysia Unity Foundation said he had just joined the world of politics when the Rukun Negara was launched on August 31, 1970, which gave him the chance to see for himself the process of unity between the races after the May 13, 1969 incident.

Serious effort taken by the government to revive the spirit of unity among the races led to the creation of Rukun Negara which was aimed at avoiding racial disharmony and strife.

Even today, when he discusses the Rukun Negara, Lee will talk about the spirit of muhibbah and harmony in the 70s and 80s which seem to be lost from the people today.

“I regret that after the 80s, Rukun Negara was not given serious attention until its meaning and spirit were lost to the people,” he told Bernama in conjunction with the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Rukun Negara graced by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, at the Perdana Putra Building in Putrajaya, on July 9.

The celebrations were also held in conjunction with Merdeka Month and National Day 2020 to commemorate the day of independence and the formation of Malaysia.

Sharing his experience of the May 13 incident in 1969, Lee who was 24 years old then, had just been appointed state assemblyman for Bukit Nenas which was then under Selangor.

He represented the opposition party DAP until the end of his political career in the 90s.

He said after the 1969 elections, the country faced a crisis caused by racial strife which broke out on May 13, and subsequent analysis of the event revealed that one of the causes was an imbalance in the economic and social system.

“Rukun Negara is a guide or compass for the people of Malaysia, regardless of race or religion,” he said, adding that he looked at media reports to find out more about it as he was interested in the national philosophy.

“What struck me was how the Rukun Negara could be a guide to the people and was easily understood and appreciated,” he said.

The Rukun Negara with its five principles – Belief in God; Loyalty to King and Country; Upholding the Constitution; Rule of Law; and Good Behaviour and Morality – was an effective philosophy for the country.

Lee, 74, who was Bukit Bintang Member of Parliament for four terms, said the seriousness of the leaders then in stressing on the Rukun Negara resulted in all the people, regardless of race, religion and culture, giving their support for the principles embodied in it.

He said through wide publicity in the print and electronic media, the Rukun Negara became the tool or vehicle which united the people.

“The people were attracted to the Rukun Negara as they felt that its philosophy was applicable and it resolved issues especially relating to unity, as well as economic and social matters,” he said.

Lee said since the 1990s until today, racial issues have often been politicised, resulting in race relations in the country becoming more critical as certain people instigate emotions by blowing up issues, creating controversies and provocations, and ignoring unity and harmony.

Statements that are made reflect the social disconnect and if uncurbed, may cause more serious problems, he said.

Lee, who is from Ipoh, Perak, stressed that Malaysia’s survival depends on how the people can embrace the Rukun Negara as a guide and principle which would make Malaysia strong in every aspect.

He stressed that the Rukun Negara must be revived and made the basis for government policies and actions.

“Malaysia can continue to be peaceful as a nation with diverse races, religions and cultures which can be its strength to grow, based on the principles of Rukun Negara.

“We have no other choice…we have to go back to the Rukun Negara as it is the fundamental basis to build a nation which will be relevant for all time,” he said, adding that he hoped the country’s philosophy will be upheld by future generations in determining its direction.

— BERNAMA