RUKUN NEGARA: HISTORY OF THE FORMULATION

Malaya under British rule

The British occupation and the liberal immigration policy that they introduced to the then Malaya, had changed the form of society in this country. Through the said policy, the British brought labourers from China, India and Indonesia into the country to work in the tin mines, rubber estate and open businesses in towns.

Under the British 'divide and rule' policy, the three ethnic groups namely the Malays, Chinese and Indians in the country had been segregated. Most of the Malays lived in the villages as farmers while the Chinese lived in towns as traders. The Indians stayed and worked in the estates with a minority of them lived in towns. These ethnics groups also followed different educational curriculum in their respective schools. The situation continued until the country achieved its independence on 31 August 1957.

Racial clashes 

In 1956, a year before the country achieved its independence  chaos broke out in Pulau Pinang during a celebration in conjunction with the conferment of city status to the island. Similar incidents happened in Pangkor in 1960, followed in Bukit Mertajam in 1966 and once again in Pulau Pinang in 1967. As these riots were not very serious, the government did not give serious look into it. However, after the racial clashes that shook the country on 13 May 1969, the government started to look for a formula that would prevent its recurrence. The Director of MAGERAN (National Operation Council or Majlis Gerakan Negara) then set up the National Consultative Council and it was gazetted on 29 January 1970 under the Emergency Law.

MAGERAN

Members of the National Consultative Council were the late Tun Abdul Razak bin Dato' Hussein (Chairman and also the Director of MAGERAN), three ministers (the late Tun Dr. Ismail bin Dato' Abd Rahman, Tun Tan Siew Sin and Tun V.t Sambathan), representatives from the State Governments and political parties. In addition, the council also had its members from the religious, professional bodies, public sectors, unions, reporters, teachers association and representatives from several other groups.

Formulation of Rukun Negara

The council held its first meeting on 27 January 1970, chaired by Tun Abdul Razak bin Dato' Hussein. After several months of discussions and research, the council decided to formulate a national ideology that could reshape the society by a more systematic and rational approach, based on the cooperation and tolerance among the various communities in the country. The proclamation of Rukun Negara was made by the Fourth Yang di-Pertuan Agong Seri Paduka Baginda Almarhum Tuanku Ismail Nasiruddin Shah Ibni Almarhum Sultan Zainal Abidin on 31 August 1970 in conjunction with Malaysia's 13th Independence Day Anniversary. 

Principles of Rukun Negara 

Every Malaysian citizen should appreciate and practices the principles of Rukun Negara in their daily life in the effort to enhance the unity and nation building. Rukun Negara was formulated to cultivate noble values such as religious values, loyalty to King and country, upholding the Constitution, abide by the rule of the law and also molding a highly courteous Malaysian society.

The adoption of the principles as pillars of the national philosophy and outlook represents and effort to base national unity on certain concepts which are acceptable to all citizens of Malaysia, regardless of their ethnic origin or religious affiliation.

The principles of the Rukun Negara clearly serve as a bond to bind multi-racial society in this country towards the preservation and promotion of a harmonious and racial unity for the sake of Malaysia's success and stability.

Source: Rukun Negara (English Version), Department of Information Malaysia