logo
Instilling patriotism early: Extend wearing of Jalur Gemilang badge to kindergarten students, says unity minister

Instilling patriotism early: Extend wearing of Jalur Gemilang badge to kindergarten students, says unity minister

Malay Mail22-04-2025

SUNGAI PETANI, April 22 — The Ministry of Unity has proposed extending the use of the Jalur Gemilang badge on student uniforms to younger age groups, including those at kindergartens.
Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said the initiative is a positive step toward fostering patriotism from an early stage in children's development.
'It's already in place for school children, and there should be no issue in extending it to kindergarten students, as it will help instil love for the country from a young age,' he said when launching the 'Jom Baca Bersama 10 Minit 2025' and 'Baucar Buku Semarak Membaca 2025' today.
The programme was held in conjunction with World Book and Copyright Day today.
The use of the Jalur Gemilang badge on student uniforms, implemented in stages across all educational institutions under the purview of the Education Ministry, began yesterday.
The initiative covers government schools, government-aided schools, matriculation colleges, and the Malaysian Teacher Education Institute, with the aim of nurturing patriotism among both students and educators.
According to Aaron Ago, there are 781 Perpaduan kindergartens with 34,654 students nationwide. — Bernama

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Aidiladha calls for reflection on sacrifice and unity
Aidiladha calls for reflection on sacrifice and unity

The Sun

timea day ago

  • The Sun

Aidiladha calls for reflection on sacrifice and unity

KUALA LUMPUR: The Hari Raya Aidiladha celebration should serve as a moment of heartfelt reflection on the meaning of sacrifice in the context of humanity and unity, said National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang. He said the celebration is not just about the ritual of sacrifice, but also a symbol of sacrifice, sincerity and solidarity. 'These values are vital in building a peaceful and harmonious nation,' he said in a Facebook post today. Aaron also extended Hari Raya Aidiladha greetings to all Muslims in the country. Muslims in Malaysia will celebrate Aidiladha tomorrow. Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri called on all Muslims to embrace the true meaning of sacrifice, not only through acts of worship but also through efforts to strengthen unity, nurture compassion, and uphold the well-being of the people. 'Aidiladha teaches us that sacrifices made with sincerity and piety form the foundation of a united and prosperous society. 'I pray that this year's sacrificial rites will be accepted by Him and mark the beginning of a more blessed, harmonious and principled life. Selamat Hari Raya Aidiladha to all Muslims,' she said in a post on Facebook. Meanwhile, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa said the blessed occasion served as a reminder of the true meaning of sacrifice, sincerity, and obedience. 'Aidiladha also unites our hearts in the spirit of giving and caring for others. May the sacrificial rites performed be a reflection of our gratitude and empathy towards those in need. 'To the pilgrims, the 'duyufurrahman' (guests of Allah) currently in the Holy Land, we pray that all your rituals will be eased and that your haj is accepted as 'haj mabrur',' she said. She also prayed that this sacred day be celebrated with gratitude, serenity, and togetherness, and expressed hope that the spirit of Aidiladha would give all Muslims the strength to continue serving and strengthening humanitarian values in daily life. Meanwhile, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad posted on Facebook that Hari Raya Aidiladha was not merely a celebration but a call of humanity, sacrifice and loyalty that spanned the ages. Aidiladha served as a reminder to remain healthy as our bodies belong to Allah SWT, and Muslims must sacrifice by refraining from harmful habits and live a healthy life in gratitude for His blessing, he added. 'As the world faces various crises of unfairness, human suffering and diminishing values, Aidiladha invites us to return to the basics of honest worship, sharing transparently and fighting for justice in our daily lives,' he wrote. Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek shared that Aidiladha this year would mark a new chapter in life to continue to be strong and virtuous in any struggle or sacrifice. 'May the pilgrims performing their Haj in the Holy Land be blessed with the strength to carry out the rituals,' she said. Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said that Hari Raya Aidiladha reminded people about true loyalty and integrity, how Prophet Ibrahim A S and Prophet Ismail A S noble sacrifices served as virtuous examples to Allah SWT. 'May this spirit of sacrifice deepen piety, self-awareness, and strengthen obedience to Allah SWT, and to all the Haj pilgrims, we entrust our prayers that you be granted health, safety, and bestowed with an accepted Haj,' he added.

Empowering youth against radicalisation
Empowering youth against radicalisation

Focus Malaysia

time2 days ago

  • Focus Malaysia

Empowering youth against radicalisation

THE 2025 Global Terrorism Index (GTI) reveals a troubling reversal in the global fight against terrorism. After nearly a decade of progress, the world has seen an 11% increase in terrorism-related deaths, with 66 countries reporting at least one attack in 2024 up from 58 the previous year. While Malaysia still ranks low in direct terrorism incidents, the recent Ulu Tiram attack where a lone assailant killed two police officers in Johor marks a significant and disturbing development. This incident is not just a singular tragedy it is a symptom of a broader, more insidious trend: youth radicalisation and the rise of lone-wolf extremism, driven by digital propaganda, identity politics, and ideological distortion. It is no longer sufficient to view terrorism as solely a security issue. Malaysia must treat it as a societal challenge, where the Education Ministry and the Youth and Sports Ministry are central to a national strategy. Lone wolves in our backyard The Ulu Tiram attacker had no known affiliation with global terrorist groups like ISIS or al-Qaeda. Like many perpetrators of lone-wolf violence in the West, he was reportedly radicalised through online content, consumed in digital echo chambers without formal recruitment or training. The GTI notes that 93% of fatal terror attacks in the West over the past five years were executed by such individuals self-radicalised, ideologically motivated, and increasingly young. Malaysia now faces a similar trajectory. Our youth, highly connected and socially aware, are also vulnerable to ideological manipulation, particularly in times of political instability, socioeconomic inequality, or perceived marginalisation. Race, religion, and the politics of division Malaysia's rich multi-ethnic and multi-religious composition, once a hallmark of national pride, is being increasingly weaponised. Certain political figures exploit race and religion to consolidate support, often at the expense of national cohesion. Simultaneously, hate preachers and religious extremists exploit online platforms and local sermons to propagate narratives that portray religious or ethnic groups as existential threats. When youth repeatedly encounter these messages whether through WhatsApp chains, social media, or even the pulpit they begin to internalise a distorted worldview: one that legitimises violence in defence of identity. The seeds of radicalisation are no longer planted by foreign fighters they are cultivated at home, in plain sight. Cultivating resilience in the classroom Education is Malaysia's most powerful tool in the fight against extremism. The Education Ministry must urgently revise its approach, ensuring that classrooms become incubators of tolerance, critical thinking, and civic responsibility. First, digital literacy and media awareness must be fully integrated into the national curriculum from primary school to tertiary education. Young Malaysians must learn how to evaluate sources, question narratives, and challenge extremist content. This skillset is not only academic it is a defence against ideological harm. Second, interfaith education and civic studies must be revitalised to promote mutual respect and national unity. Students should learn not only about their own heritage but also about the histories, beliefs, and contributions of others. These lessons humanise 'the other' and inoculate young minds against divisive rhetoric. Third, teacher training is essential. Educators must be equipped to detect early warning signs of radicalisation such as withdrawal, sudden changes in worldview, or fixation on identity-based grievances. But more importantly, they must be supported with referral pathways that connect schools to mental health professionals, social workers, and community organisations, enabling early intervention without criminalisation. Offering purpose and belonging Radical ideologies often prey on disenfranchised youth those who feel invisible, undervalued, or disempowered. The Youth and Sports Ministry must take proactive steps to provide these young Malaysians with meaningful alternatives to extremism. This includes expanding access to youth empowerment programmes, especially in underserved and high-risk areas such as Sabah, Sarawak, Kelantan, and parts of urban Klang Valley. Leadership development, skills training, sports leagues, and creative arts programmes should be used to build self-esteem, provide structure, and foster social inclusion. Youth centres can also become platforms for counter-narratives safe spaces where difficult issues can be discussed, identities explored, and dissent expressed without violence. By collaborating with athletes, influencers, musicians, and activists, the ministry can promote messages of unity, peace, and resilience on platforms where young people already engage YouTube, TikTok, Discord, and more. A youth security strategy Malaysia needs a coordinated, youth-centric national security strategy. The Education Ministry and the Youth and Sports Ministry should no longer operate on the sidelines of counter-terrorism but be fully integrated into the National Security Council's efforts. This strategy should include a National Youth Vulnerability Index to map communities at higher risk of radicalisation based on socio-economic indicators, digital activity, and reported grievances. Real-time monitoring and analysis of extremist digital content, using AI and partnerships with tech companies to flag recruitment materials and hate speech. Community-led rehabilitation and reintegration programmes, offering second chances to youth influenced by radical ideologies, with the involvement of psychologists, imams, teachers, and civil society leaders. Prevention is the new security Malaysia's current position on the GTI is relatively stable but it is no cause for complacency. The Ulu Tiram incident is not an anomaly it is a harbinger. Unless we act now, we risk a future where extremist violence becomes normalised, youth disillusionment becomes weaponised, and national unity unravels. By redefining education and youth development as security imperatives, Malaysia can lead the region in proactive counter-extremism. The Education Ministry and the Youth and Sports Ministry must not just participate in national security planning they must lead the charge in safeguarding Malaysia's future. The window for prevention is open. Let us not wait for it to close. ‒ June 5, 2025 R. Paneir Selvam is the principal consultant of Arunachala Research & Consultancy Sdn Bhd, a think tank specialising in strategic national and geopolitical matters. The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia. Main image: FMT

Librarians: Agents Of Social Transformation And Nation-building
Librarians: Agents Of Social Transformation And Nation-building

Barnama

time2 days ago

  • Barnama

Librarians: Agents Of Social Transformation And Nation-building

PUTRAJAYA, June 6 (Bernama) -- Librarians are not only custodians of reading materials but also serve as agents of social transformation, facilitators of information, and promoters of an inclusive reading culture. Minister of National Unity Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said librarians play a vital role in nation-building and in cultivating noble values aligned with the aspirations of Malaysia MADANI, which emphasises the development of a knowledgeable, united, and cultured society. 'A nation's excellence relies on the depth of knowledge and unity among its people. As such, the role of librarians is crucial in nurturing a passion for knowledge, shaping the values of society, and contributing to holistic national development,' he said in a statement in conjunction with Librarians' Day today.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store