It is based on this that the national unity ministry, following its revival in March 2020, has been working diligently to establish platforms to integrate diverse communities, by allowing them to gather, learn about, and grow to appreciate each other’s cultures.

Now led by Sarawakian minister Aaron Ago Dagang, the ministry has held about 300 programmes this year aimed at bolstering national unity based on the Federal Constitution and Rukun Negara, in cultivating a national identity.

Themed “Making Unity a Culture, Celebrating Diversity”, its key objectives are divided into three segments, namely Semarak Kenegaraan, Semarak Perpaduan, and Komuniti Rahmah.

Semarak Kenegaraan

This segment is focussed on instilling patriotism and a greater affection for Malaysia among citizens. Programmes that have been held include events aimed at raising awareness and appreciation for the Rukun Negara and colloquial languages.

The ministry also held the FoodUnites initiative, gathering various heritage food to inculcate appreciation for other cultures, and the Negarawan Kita programme to teach younger Malaysians of the important contributions of past national leaders.

It also placed an emphasis on preserving museums and historical museums to deepen cultural understanding.

Semarak Perpaduan

For this, the unity ministry organised events that allowed Malaysians to gather and form connections with one another, such as the Unity Week celebration, Citra Nusa Muzium and Perdana Reading Carnival.

It also organised the Unity Sports League involving 23,000 participants from 2,300 teams across the nation in various sports, and held student volunteer missions to Sabah, Sarawak, Kedah and even Vietnam.

There was also the Madani Harmony Initiative which focussed on national integration by promoting the concept of “Understand, Respect and Accept” to celebrate the religious, ethnic and cultural diversity shared by Malaysians.

Komuniti Rahmah

Under this pillar, the ministry carried out several initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life of residents in various communities, including bolstering the role of neighbourhood watches, also known as Rukun Tetangga.

So far, 152 of over 8,400 Rukun Tetangga across the country have received grants as part of a pilot project to spur the local community’s economy.

Recognising the importance of education, the ministry provided Tunku Abdul Rahman scholarships to help 29 students further their studies and pursue degrees.

It also allocated about RM30 million to improve the facilities of Tabika Perpaduan and daycare centres under the ministry.

It has also appointed 571 accredited community mediators to help resolve minor disputes in local communities without requiring the authorities to get involved.