
Religious leaders must be voice of reason and peace, says Aaron
In his speech at the 18th Council of Churches Malaysia Triennial Assembly today, Aaron stressed the important role played by religious institutions in nation-building.
"Let me stress again...

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Barnama
18 hours ago
- Barnama
Unity Ministry Seeks RM250 Mln Under Budget 2026 For Five Initiatives
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 18 (Bernama) -- The National Unity Ministry (KPN) is seeking a RM250 million allocation under Budget 2026 to implement five initiatives aimed at strengthening community harmony and empowering communities. Its minister, Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said the Unity and National Identity initiative involves an allocation of RM100 million to implement the Flagship Kembara Perpaduan programme to strengthen the nation-building agenda. 'The Community Harmony and Well-being initiative, with an allocation of RM100 million, aims for a more progressive Neighbourhood Watch Areas (KRT) by revitalising the Voluntary Patrol Scheme, empowering Community Mediators, and implementing the MADANI Harmony Initiative. "Under the 'Ini Warisan Kita' (This is Our Heritage) initiative, an allocation of RM10 million is for the acquisition of historical materials and national heritage treasures to be preserved and inherited by future generations, while the 'Transformasi Pendigitalan' (Digitalisation Transformation) initiative, with an allocation of RM20 million, is for the digitalisation of national heritage treasures including museums, archives, and libraries to make them more accessible to the public," he said in his speech during the ministry's Budget 2026 dialogue session here today. He said that the fifth initiative, Conducive Unity Premises, with an allocation of RM20 million, aims to improve the facilities and amenities of agencies under the KPN for the well-being of the people. "Last year, the allocation we requested was RM290 million, but we only received RM90 million. For next year, we are requesting RM250 million, and we hope it will be considered because there are many more activities we want to carry out," he said. In a similar development, Aaron also hopes that the Finance Ministry and the Inland Revenue Board will consider providing tax exemption incentives to companies that contribute directly to unity programmes or activities at the community level. "We know that in Malaysia, there are many large companies that can help us provide funds for activities, but these companies, no matter how much money they give, will claim tax relief under social responsibility," he also said. Today's dialogue session involved government agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), KRT, associations, and students from institutions of higher learning (IPTs) to discuss needs, suggestions, and priorities related to the Budget 2026.


New Straits Times
21 hours ago
- New Straits Times
2026 Budget: RM250m sought for national unity initiatives, tax breaks proposed
KUALA LUMPUR: The National Unity Ministry mooted a RM250 million allocation under Budget 2026 for five key initiatives to boost community development and foster national unity. Its minister, Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang, also suggested that the Finance Ministry and the Inland Revenue Board (IRB) consider tax relief schemes for companies that host unity programmes at the community level. "These suggestions are to encourage strategic partnerships to strengthen national unity. "We will also propose increasing allocations for the Neighbourhood Watch Areas (KRT) from RM6,000 to RM10,000 annually," he said in his speech during the ministry's 2026 Budget dialogue session with over 100 stakeholders. He proposed that RM100 million would be allocated for unity, volunteering and boosting the national spirit, and another RM100 million towards harmony and welfare to create more progressive Neighbourhood Watch programmes. He also said that the ministry plans to request RM10 million to acquire and preserve historical items for the coming generations.


Daily Express
2 days ago
- Daily Express
Sabah to host national-level Unity Week
Published on: Sunday, August 17, 2025 Published on: Sun, Aug 17, 2025 By: Bernama Text Size: Aaron highlighted that Labuan stands as an example of harmony, where cultural, religious and ethnic diversity coexist peacefully. LABUAN: National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang on Saturday announced that the Ministry will host the national-level Unity Week 2026 in Sabah. He said this when officiating the Unity Week Celebration and the Golden Jubilee of the Rukun Tetangga (KRT) 2025 for Labuan at the Labuan International Sea Sports Complex. Unity Week, organised under the Kembara Perpaduan Malaysia Madani framework, aims to foster a spirit of unity while promoting understanding and appreciation of Malaysia's diverse traditions and cultures. The celebration also serves as a platform to strengthen social integration and build a sustainable ecosystem of national unity. Aaron highlighted that Labuan stands as an example of harmony, where cultural, religious and ethnic diversity coexist peacefully. He noted that Labuan recorded the highest score in the 2021 Malaysian Happiness Index, at 9.29, reflecting a very high level of happiness among its residents. 'To further strengthen social bonds at the community level, KPN (National Unity Ministry) through the Department of National Unity and Integration (JPNIN) has established 37 Rukun Tetangga areas across Labuan,' he said. Aaron said the Rukun Tetangga movement marks its 50th anniversary this year. Over the past five decades, KRT has played a vital role in community safety patrols, neighbourhood development, fostering good neighbourly spirit and promoting national unity. This year's celebrations feature a range of activities, including a Rukun Tetangga Golden Jubilee exhibition, Cultural Night performances, Early Childhood Education exhibition, Unity Fun Run and Walk, Rukun Tetangga Economic Exhibition and Sale, as well as exhibitions by government departments and agencies. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia