Unity Ministry using programmes to bridge divides, highlight diversity

PARLIAMENT | The National Unity Ministry has adopted a programme-based approach to bridge social gaps among Malaysians while embracing the nation’s diverse culture, traditions, festivals, and heritage.

Minister Aaron Ago Dagang said all programmes implemented are guided by three objectives outlined in the National Unity Policy.

These objectives include strengthening unity and national integration based on the Federal Constitution and Rukun Negara, fostering a national identity rooted in patriotism, empathy, tolerance, mutual respect and responsibility, as well as cultivating a society that values and practises unity.

“For 2025, the ministry has adopted the Negara Bangsa concept and the theme of Harmony in Diversity as its main focus. This year’s direction is driven by four key initiatives, namely Unity Ecosystem, Madani Harmony Initiative, Rukun Negara Exploration and Socio-Cultural Community,” he said during the question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat today.

He was responding to a question from Dr Halimah Ali (PN-Kapar) on whether the ministry has guidelines for government departments and agencies regarding activities with religious elements that could potentially spark racial tensions.

Enhancing understanding

Elaborating, Aaron said the Madani Harmony Initiative was introduced to enhance understanding of Malaysia’s diverse religions, cultures and traditions, thereby strengthening unity and harmony among its people.

Among the programmes under this initiative are the International Day for Tolerance, Harmony Dialogue, Harmony Parade, Sounds of Harmony, Unity on Wheels and festive advertisements.

In addition, the ministry has established the Unity Issues Management Committee this year, chaired by its secretary-general Hasnol Zam Zam Ahmad to address all unity-related issues in the country.

He added that the committee comprises representatives from several ministries and agencies, including the Communications Ministry, Home Ministry, Education Ministry, police, the National Security Council and the Islamic Development Department (Jakim).

“This committee has held its first meeting, reviewed all sensitive issues that have emerged since early this year, and proposed short-, medium- and long-term solutions.

“There were more than 10 issues discussed, with recommendations put forward for resolutions,” he said in response to Halimah’s supplementary question on the effectiveness of the committee.

Aaron said the ministry has no specific guidelines for government departments and agencies regarding activities with religious elements.

- Bernama

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