Latest news with #NationalUnityMinistry
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Digital platform 'Rakan' to tackle unity-related complaints
SHAH ALAM: The National Unity Ministry has introduced a new initiative, the National Public Community Complaints Network (Rakan), as a dedicated digital platform to facilitate public complaints related to unity issues. Its minister Datuk Aaron Aro Dagang said the platform will strengthen the management of information and responses to community complaints while enhancing the efficiency of monitoring systems for safety and harmony at the grassroots level. "Rakan is an initiative to bring the public closer to the government in empowering communities to maintain national harmony. "We are confident this initiative can foster a sense of social responsibility among the public in addressing sensitive issues that could threaten unity," he told reporters after launching the platform here today. Developed by the National Unity and Integration Department, Rakan is accessible starting today via the website Aaron assured that all complaint information will be kept confidential, where district unity officers will review the reports and share them with the right agencies at local, state, or national levels. Authorities like the police and Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will also be involved when needed. Earlier in his speech, Aaron said the ministry aims to raise the National Unity Index (IPNas) score to at least 0.70 this year, up from 0.629 in 2022. He said IPNas is the country's only official tool for measuring national unity and harmony, which recorded its first score in 2018 at 0.567. "To achieve the target IPNas score of 0.70 this year, the ministry has implemented various efforts, including community dialogues, multi-ethnic integration programmes and continuous empowerment of grassroots roles. "Importantly, improving the IPNas score is not just about statistics but about strengthening the nation's social foundation, from perception to action," he said. Aaron said the ministry is actively exploring new digital avenues to strengthen unity, including online applications for Rukun Tetangga (neighbourhood watch) formations, enhancing systematic reporting and monitoring mechanisms and developing a centralised community data analytics system for targeted interventions. He said these efforts are being driven through the creation of a community analytics database under the department, which is expected to form the backbone of the ministry's digital strategy in advancing a more holistic and inclusive national unity agenda.
New Straits Times
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
P. Ramlee: A cultural icon whose legacy continues to unite Malaysians
GEORGE TOWN: The late legendary artiste Tan Sri P. Ramlee was more than just a cultural icon; he was also a symbol of national unity whose legacy continues to unify Malaysians regardless of race, religion, or ethnicity, said Deputy National Unity Minister K. Saraswathy. She said P. Ramlee's lifetime creative works transcended racial and religious boundaries, depicting the lives of ordinary people with profound humanity, including love, mutual respect, looking out for one another and a strong sense of family. "I believe messages of unity reflected in the works of P. Ramlee, whose real name was Teuku Zakaria Teuku Nyak Puteh, will continue to be remembered, remain relevant and serve as a beacon for the harmony of Malaysia Madani. "This aligns with the government's aspiration to foster a united Madani society that is respectful of one another, regardless of race, culture, or religion. P. Ramlee has left us with a timeless legacy through his creative works and brilliant ideas," she said when launching the closing ceremony of Minggu Kenangan P. Ramlee: 'Satu Dalam Sejuta' and the music forum "Kisah Di Sebalik Lagu" here today. She said messages of harmony, unity, cooperation, and mutual respect were brilliantly captured and highlighted in the artiste's works. Also present were National Archives director-general Datuk Jaafar Sidek Abdul Rahman, Penang P. Ramlee Fan Club president Tan Sri Yussof Latiff and renowned lyricist Datuk Habsah Hassan. Various programmes were lined up throughout the event, including a lecture by preacher Datuk Mohamad Kazim Elias, better known as Ustaz Kazim, titled "Sedangkan Lidah Lagi Tergigit" on May 24 and the "Satu Dalam Sejuta" run on May 25 at Padang Kota Lama. Saraswathy said the programme aligns well with the aspirations of Ikhtiar 4 under the National Unity Ministry's 2025 Strategic Plan, particularly within the Socio-Cultural Community Cluster: Semarak Perpaduan, which aims to deepen appreciation for national heritage, instil pride in cultural identity and strengthen bonds among Malaysia's multiracial communities through the arts and shared history. "Besides that, collaboration and partnership in organising such programmes are crucial in efforts to preserve the nation's cultural heritage. "I would like to take this opportunity to encourage government agencies, non-governmental organisations, and corporate bodies to collaborate in forming similar partnerships for the benefit of society and the nation. "May the National Archives' aspiration to disseminate information and strengthen public understanding of unity through the messages conveyed in P. Ramlee's works be successfully realised. "It is hoped that through these efforts, the spirit of cohesion and harmony among the Malaysia Madani society can be preserved," she said. – Bernama
The Sun
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
P.Ramlee: A cultural icon whose legacy continues to unite Malaysians
GEORGE TOWN: The late legendary artiste Tan Sri P. Ramlee was more than just a cultural icon; he was also a symbol of national unity whose legacy continues to unify Malaysians regardless of race, religion, or ethnicity, said Deputy National Unity Minister K. Saraswathy. She said P. Ramlee's lifetime creative works transcended racial and religious boundaries, depicting the lives of ordinary people with profound humanity, including love, mutual respect, looking out for one another and a strong sense of family. 'I believe messages of unity reflected in the works of P. Ramlee, whose real name was Teuku Zakaria Teuku Nyak Puteh, will continue to be remembered, remain relevant and serve as a beacon for the harmony of Malaysia MADANI. 'This aligns with the government's aspiration to foster a united MADANI society that is respectful of one another, regardless of race, culture, or religion. P. Ramlee has left us with a timeless legacy through his creative works and brilliant ideas,' she said when officiating the closing ceremony of Minggu Kenangan P. Ramlee: 'Satu Dalam Sejuta' and the music forum 'Kisah Di Sebalik Lagu' here today. According to her, messages of harmony, unity, cooperation, and mutual respect were brilliantly captured and highlighted in the artiste's works. Also present were National Archives director-general Datuk Jaafar Sidek Abdul Rahman, Penang Fan Club president Tan Sri Yussof Latiff and renowned lyricist Datuk Habsah Hassan. Various programmes were lined up throughout the event, including a lecture by preacher Datuk Mohamad Kazim Elias, better known as Ustaz Kazim, titled 'Sedangkan Lidah Lagi Tergigit' on May 24 and the 'Satu Dalam Sejuta' run on May 25 at Padang Kota Lama. Saraswathy elaborated that the programme aligns well with the aspirations of Ikhtiar 4 under the National Unity Ministry's 2025 Strategic Plan, particularly within the Socio-Cultural Community Cluster: Semarak Perpaduan, which aims to deepen appreciation for national heritage, instil pride in cultural identity and strengthen bonds among Malaysia's multiracial communities through the arts and shared history. 'Besides that, collaboration and partnership in organising such programmes are crucial in efforts to preserve the nation's cultural heritage. I would like to take this opportunity to encourage government agencies, non-governmental organisations, and corporate bodies to collaborate in forming similar partnerships for the benefit of society and the nation. 'May the National Archives' aspiration to disseminate information and strengthen public understanding of unity through the messages conveyed in P. Ramlee's works be successfully realised. It is hoped that through these efforts, the spirit of cohesion and harmony among the Malaysia MADANI society can be preserved,' she added.
The Sun
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
P. Ramlee Honoured as Symbol of Unity at Tribute Event
GEORGE TOWN: The late legendary artiste Tan Sri P. Ramlee was more than just a cultural icon; he was also a symbol of national unity whose legacy continues to unify Malaysians regardless of race, religion, or ethnicity, said Deputy National Unity Minister K. Saraswathy. She said P. Ramlee's lifetime creative works transcended racial and religious boundaries, depicting the lives of ordinary people with profound humanity, including love, mutual respect, looking out for one another and a strong sense of family. 'I believe messages of unity reflected in the works of P. Ramlee, whose real name was Teuku Zakaria Teuku Nyak Puteh, will continue to be remembered, remain relevant and serve as a beacon for the harmony of Malaysia MADANI. 'This aligns with the government's aspiration to foster a united MADANI society that is respectful of one another, regardless of race, culture, or religion. P. Ramlee has left us with a timeless legacy through his creative works and brilliant ideas,' she said when officiating the closing ceremony of Minggu Kenangan P. Ramlee: 'Satu Dalam Sejuta' and the music forum 'Kisah Di Sebalik Lagu' here today. According to her, messages of harmony, unity, cooperation, and mutual respect were brilliantly captured and highlighted in the artiste's works. Also present were National Archives director-general Datuk Jaafar Sidek Abdul Rahman, Penang Fan Club president Tan Sri Yussof Latiff and renowned lyricist Datuk Habsah Hassan. Various programmes were lined up throughout the event, including a lecture by preacher Datuk Mohamad Kazim Elias, better known as Ustaz Kazim, titled 'Sedangkan Lidah Lagi Tergigit' on May 24 and the 'Satu Dalam Sejuta' run on May 25 at Padang Kota Lama. Saraswathy elaborated that the programme aligns well with the aspirations of Ikhtiar 4 under the National Unity Ministry's 2025 Strategic Plan, particularly within the Socio-Cultural Community Cluster: Semarak Perpaduan, which aims to deepen appreciation for national heritage, instil pride in cultural identity and strengthen bonds among Malaysia's multiracial communities through the arts and shared history. 'Besides that, collaboration and partnership in organising such programmes are crucial in efforts to preserve the nation's cultural heritage. I would like to take this opportunity to encourage government agencies, non-governmental organisations, and corporate bodies to collaborate in forming similar partnerships for the benefit of society and the nation. 'May the National Archives' aspiration to disseminate information and strengthen public understanding of unity through the messages conveyed in P. Ramlee's works be successfully realised. It is hoped that through these efforts, the spirit of cohesion and harmony among the Malaysia MADANI society can be preserved,' she added.
New Straits Times
13-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Malaysia to host 19th Southeast Asean Librarians Congress
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia will host the 19th Southeast Asian Librarians Congress (Consal), a four-day event beginning this Monday at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur, announced the National Unity Ministry. In a statement today, the ministry said the congress, themed "Embracing Inclusivity, Empowering Humanity," is scheduled to be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The congress aligns with Malaysia's Chairmanship of Asean in 2025 and reflects the nation's commitment to strengthening regional cooperation anchored in the values of unity, knowledge and inclusive societal development. "The congress will focus on the role of libraries as strategic partners in community development, catalysts of knowledge ecosystems for marginalised and differently abled groups, and supporters of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in bridging social gaps," the ministry said. The ministry added that the Madani government is committed to positioning the 19th Consal as a key platform to advance libraries as agents of social transformation and human empowerment, in line with national and regional unity objectives. This marks the third time Malaysia is hosting the event, following previous editions in 1981 and 1996. Established in 1970 through a joint initiative by librarians from Malaysia and Singapore, Consal serves as a key platform uniting librarians, library institutions, schools of library and information science, and information professionals from across Southeast Asia. Its membership comprises all 10 Asean countries, namely, Malaysia, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. — BERNAMA
