SMP 2025 celebrates unity, ethnic diversity in Malaysia

Borneo Post

2 days ago

SMP serves as a platform for interaction and integration, fostering the spirit of unity while broadening knowledge about the diverse customs, cultures, and traditions of Malaysian society.
BATU KAWAN (July 26): The Rumah KAMI (Ethnic) Exhibition, the Kadazan Dusun Ethnic Village Exhibition, and the Orang Asli Village were among the main attractions for visitors during the Sambutan Minggu Perpaduan (SMP) or National Unity Week Celebration.
There were more than 40 main activities during the celebration from July 17 to 20.
Among them were also Foodunites, Timeline Exhibitions, 'Malaysia My Homeland' Exhibition, Traditional Sports, Unity Entrepreneurs Sales, Boria Competitions, Ethnic Costume Competitions, Ethnic Dance Competitions, Book Festivals, and Cultural Performances.
The event was officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on July 19, 2025.
This year, the theme 'Harmony in Diversity' was introduced to enhance harmony among people of different faiths in the country.
This theme also reflects the reality of Malaysia's diverse society, emphasizing the values of understanding, respect, and acceptance towards achieving national harmony.
The celebration served as a platform for interaction and integration, fostering the spirit of unity while broadening knowledge about the diverse customs, cultures, and traditions of Malaysian society.
Anwar presenting the Yayasan Tunku Abdul Rahman Scholarship to a recipient during the SMP launch. Also seen at third right is Aaron.
More than 200,000 visitors from various backgrounds, races, and cultures attended the event, proving that SMP is an excellent platform for uniting Malaysians.
To engage and strengthen relationships with grassroots communities, the SMP Roadshow Series was also conducted in every state.
Seven states including Melaka, Kedah, Kelantan, Sabah, Johor, Perlis, and Terengganu have completed their SMP celebrations, with the remaining eight states to follow.
National Unity Minister, Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang, said his ministry is drafting a new approach to strengthen the implementation of SMP.
He said starting next year, SMP will be combined with cultural celebrations of the ethnic minority groups in each state.
'This new approach recognizes the heritage of minority ethnic groups and provides an opportunity for the people to appreciate the cultural diversity that shapes Malaysia's identity,' he said at the launch of SMP 2025.
The launching ceremony also witnessed the presentation of grants to selected Rukun Tetangga (KRT) areas, encouraging them to implement progressive, inclusive, and high-impact economic programmes.
Additionally, Anwar presented scholarships to three selected recipients under the Tunku Abdul Rahman Foundation (YTAR) as a symbol of the government's commitment to empowering the education of the younger generation.
The Ministry of National Unity is committed to strengthening the spirit of unity, patriotism, togetherness, goodwill, and volunteerism among Malaysians.
Anwar presenting grants to a recipient from a selected Rukun Tetangga (KRT) areas. Also seen at second right is Aaron.
This effort aligns with the aspirations of the Federal Constitution and the Rukun Negara, guided by the three main pillars of the National Unity Policy.
Meanwhile, Aaron stated that the National Unity Index (IPNas) is currently being conducted for the third time and is expected to record a score of 0.7, reflecting the level of unity among Malaysians.
'This index evaluates key aspects such as inter-ethnic relations, perceptions of national identity, and social trust, serving as a primary reference for formulating ministry policies and initiatives to strengthen national unity.
'Since 2023, various initiatives have been implemented, clearly demonstrating that nation-building is the ultimate goal in strengthening national unity.
Anwar presenting grants to a recipient from a selected Rukun Tetangga (KRT) areas. Also seen at second right is Aaron.
'Nation-building is now also recognized as one of the main pillars in the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13). Accordingly, the Ministry of National Unity is conducting nationwide engagement sessions to draft the National Nation-Building Action Plan, to be followed by the Nation-Building Conference this October,' he said. Aaron Dagang lead Rumah KAMI Sambutan Minggu Perpaduan SMP