Rukunegara

The Rukunegara proclamation was made by the DYMM Yang Di Pertuan Agong in 1970 and it reads as follows:-

Our nation, MALAYSIA, being dedicated to achieving a greater unity of all her peoples;

• to maintaining a democratic way of life;

• to creating a just society in which the wealth of the nation shall be equitably shared;

• to ensuring a liberal approach to her rich and diverse cultural traditions;

• to building a progressive society which shall be oriented to modern science and technology;

WE, her peoples, pledge our united efforts to attain these ends guided by these principles-

• BELIEF IN GOD

• LOYALTY TO THE KING

• UPHOLDING THE CONSTITUTION

• RULE OF LAW

• GOOD BEHAVIOUR AND MORALITY.

BAHAWASANYA NEGARA KITA MALAYSIA mendukung cita-cita hendak :

• mencapai perpaduan yang lebih erat di kalangan seluruh masyarakatnya ;
• memelihara satu cara hidup demokratik ;
• mencipta satu masyarakat adil di mana kemakmuran Negara akan dapat dinikmati bersama secara adil dan saksama ;
• menjamin satu cara liberal terhadap tradisi-tradisi kebudayaannya yang kaya dan berbagai corak ; dan
• membina satu masyarakat progresif yang akan menggunakan sains dan teknologi moden.

MAKA KAMI, rakyat Malaysia, berikrar akan menumpukan seluruh tenaga dan usaha kami untuk mencapai cita-cita tersebut berdasarkan atas prinsip-prinsip yang berikut :

• KEPERCAYAAN KEPADA TUHAN
• KESETIAAN KEPADA RAJA DAN NEGARA
• KELUHURAN PERLEMBAGAAN
• KEDAULATAN UNDANG-UNDANG
• KESOPANAN DAN KESUSILAAN

The Rukunegara was accompanied by the following commentary that explained the 5 principles:-

Islam is the official religion of the Federation. Other religions and beliefs may be practiced in peace and harmony and there shall be no discrimination against any citizen on the ground of religion.

The loyalty that is expected of every citizen is that he must be faithful and bear true allegiance to the King.

It is the duty of every citizen to respect and appreciate the letter, the spirit and the historical background of the Constitution.

This historical background led to such provisions as those regarding the position of the Rulers, the position of Islam as the official religion, the position of the Malays and other Natives, the legitimate interests of the other communities, and the conferment of citizenship. It is the sacred duty of a citizen to defend and uphold the Constitution.

Justice is founded upon the rule of law. Every citizen is equal before the law. Fundamental liberties are guaranteed to all citizens. These include liberty of the person, equal protection of the law, freedom of religion, rights to property and protection against banishment. The Constitution confers on a citizen the right of free speech, assembly and association and this right may be enjoyed freely subject only to limitations imposed by law.

Individuals and groups shall conduct their affairs in such a manner as not to violate any of the accepted canons of behaviour which is arrogant or offensive to the sensitivities of any group. No citizen should question the loyalty of another citizen on the ground that he belongs to a particular community.