UMP Regional Discourse embodies Rukun Negara values

KUANTAN, 23 August 2022 - The young generation, who are the country’s future, needs to understand, embody and practice the values of Rukun Negara.

The nation-state development agenda can be achieved through the ideology of harmony based on the spirit of patriotism and identity among individuals and societies.

In the meantime, the university-level Rukun Negara discourse development programme should also be scheduled at least once a year at all public and private universities involving top management.

This programme should also be reported to the Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE).

These are two resolutions out of eight resolutions outlined in conjunction with Regional Discourse on Rukun Negara dan Pancasila: Ideologi dan Amalan organised by Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) through the Institute of Civilisation and Strategic Studies (ITKAS) in collaboration with Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY) and Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Indonesia.

The discourse also coincided with the current independence month celebration.

This programme is expected to nurture and invigorate patriotism and love of the country among UMP associates and Malaysians.

According to the Chairman of the UMP Board of Directors, Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Dr. Abdul Aziz Abdul Rahman, Malaysia and Indonesia are two neighbouring countries with people of various races, religions, cultures and different ways of life.

“August is the month of independence, where in Malaysia it is on 31 August while in the Republic of Indonesia it is on 17 August.

“Therefore, this discourse will discuss the Rukun Negara and Pancasila.

“This is a sign of a close brotherhood between us, the two neighbouring countries and the future of the archipelago.

“Therefore, national unity is an important goal in every policy implemented by the government whether in the economic, social or political sphere,” he said.

He added that without unity, the country would be exposed to various threats and weaknesses.

“These threats and weaknesses can undermine the country’s sovereignty and cause chaos due to riots, racial fights and others.

“This discourse is also an approach the two countries take to form a unity.

National unity is a matter of emphasis in formulating every development and administration strategy so that it can maintain and defend its freedom as an independent and sovereign nation,” he said while officiating the Regional Discourse Programme: Rukun Negara−Pancasila at Zenith Hotel, Kuantan.

This programme saw not only the collaboration between the three universities, but also the two countries that share the same struggle for independence as well as the long journey of development of the beloved nation-state.

Meanwhile, UMP Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Ts. Dr. Yuserrie Zainuddin reminded the young generation today to appreciate its true philosophy.

“The harmony of the country depends on a society of high discipline and love for the country.

“In addition, the discourse discusses the existing bond between Malaysia and Indonesia.

“It is known that Malaysia and Indonesia share some similarities especially in terms of language and culture,” he said.

However, he said, it is also vital for us to understand the similarity of the idealism of Rukun Negara and Pancasila, which is a pillar of the formation of the two countries, particularly their ideology and practices.

The discourse saw the keynote address delivered by Professor Ulung Datuk Dr. Shamsul Amri Baharuddin (UKM) and the second keynote address delivered by Dr. Heri Santoso (UGM).

While the forum featured Professor Dr. Farida Hanum as moderator and the panel consisted of Professor Dr. Sivamurugan a/l Pandian (USM), Associate Professor Dr. Rukiyati (UNY), Ahmad Fahmi Fazli (UMP) and Evi Rovikoh Indah Saputri (Universitas Teknologi Yogyakarta).

Also involved in the forum was Dr. Mohamad Hilmi Mat Said as moderator and other panels comprising Associate Professor Dr. Hasan Ahmad (UMP), Dr. Cepi Safrudin Abdul Jabar (UNY), Mariam Zahiah Tazali (UKM) and Farozi Ar’rafi (UNY).

The ceremony saw the submission of the resolutions by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International), Professor Ts. Dr. Mohd Rosli Hainin to UMP Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Ts. Dr. Yusserie Zainuddin.

More than 400 invitees from UMP, UKM, UNY and IPT in Pahang attended the programme.

By: Nor Salwana Mohammad Idris, Corporate Communications Division, Chancellery Department

Translation by: Dr. Rozaimi Abu Samah, Engineering College/Faculty of Chemical and Process Engineering Technology