KUCHING: Early childhood education institutions (IPAKK) are encouraged to get students to recite the Rukun Negara.
Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said this was part of the National Unity Action Plan (PTPN) 2021-2025 proposal.
“At present, there are 2,872 early childhood institutions with 77,539 students in the state.
“We recommend these IPAKK to include Rukun Negara recital after singing Negaraku and Ibu Pertiwiku (national and state anthem respectively).
“Such a measure will enable students to nurture the spirit of unity from a young age,” she told the press after officiating the feedback on the PTPN 2021-2015 draft programme at Yayasan Sarawak here today.
She said parents also had the responsibility to inculcate in the young ones the value of unity, respect for others and acceptance of diversity.
“We also need to have an inclusive-based policy so that there won’t be any parties left out, regardless of race, religion and cultural background.
“Apart from the policy, we want to prevent sensitive sentiments, including social media postings and hate politics, which could raise racial tension.”
The PTPN is an official government document listing out all the efforts of the National Unity Ministry and its agencies in building a united nation.
It is currently in the midst of obtaining feedback from the public through such sessions.
“On Sarawak’s part, there will be 13 more sessions across the state, where we will discuss issues that may foster the spirit of unity and issues that can break unity.
“The PTPN is expected to be ready by year end.”
Also present were Sarawak National Unity and Integration Department director Dirwana Azool and Sarawak federal secretary representative Lavinia Clarissa Jusueb.
