Sejahtera Malaysia- A Forum on Social Harmony and National Unity
Exploring Harmoni-Mesra in the Pursuit of the Objectives of Rukun Negara
(Organized by KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific, Dialog Rakyat & UCSI University)
29 April 2024, Le Quadri Hotel by UCSI Hotels

Malaysia is a multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multi-cultural country that faces various challenges in achieving national unity and harmony. Yet in Malaysia we have regressed from a civilised multiracial, multicultural and multi religious society living in relative harmony with empathy and kindness before Merdeka, and on which basis we gained our independence, we have regressed into a society with revived primal instincts and urges, suspicious, hating and fearful of each other. The situation is of serious enough concern that there are frequent exhortations by the Yang DiPertuan Agong, the Malay Rulers and responsible leaders to maintain national cohesion, social harmony and unity.

This unhealthy situation still prevails 53 years after the Blueprint for national unity, the Rukun Negara, was launched on August 31st 1970 and it has two parts: the Principles and the Objectives. While we are constantly being reminded of the five Principles (Believe in God, Loyalty to King and Country, Supremacy of the Constitution, Rule of Law, Ethical Behaviour & Morality), the Objectives are seldom highlighted.

In alignment with the Rukun Negara, the Dialog Rakyat’s Code of Ethical Conduct (CEC) and Harmoni Mesra (H-M) concept, principles and practices were formulated by a group of concerned citizens and civil society organisations. The Harmoni-Mesra values is to counter the unhealthy situation and explore actionable practices to promote sustained harmony and build social cohesion and national unity through actionable practices.

By fostering meaningful dialogue, celebrating diversity, and promoting shared values, a forum on Sejahtera Malaysia can play a crucial role in strengthening national unity and building a brighter future for all Malaysians. Remember, the success of such a forum hinges on inclusivity, open mindedness, and a genuine commitment to building a stronger Malaysia together.

This forum aims to delve into the very heart of Malaysian identity and nation-building. It's a space to engage in critical dialogue, celebrate diversity, and work towards a more united and prosperous future for all Malaysians.

Session 1 - Understanding Rukun Negara
• Historical background and development of Rukun Negara
• Key principles and values embedded in Rukun Negara
• The relevance of Rukun Negara in contemporary Malaysia’s
Masyarakat Madani

Presenter:
• Prof. Emeritus Datuk Dr. Shad Saleem Faruqi, Tunku Abdul Rahman Chair as Professor of Constitutional Law, Universiti Malaya

Discussants:
• Academician Prof. Emeritus Tan Sri Dr Omar Abdul Rahman, FASc, Chair, Dialog Rakyat Organising Committee / Senior Distinguished Fellow, KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific / Member of UCSI University Council
• Prof. Major (H) Dato’ Dr. Engr. Chin Yew Sin, JP, President, Malaysia Strategy Research Centre
• Dr. Ahmad Badri Abdullah, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, International Institute of Advanced Islamic Studies (IAIS) Malaysia

Facilitator:
• Dr. Teo Lee Ken, Research and Policy Officer, MySDG Center for
Social Inclusion, APPGM-SDG

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