Latest news with #UnityWeek
Borneo Post
8 hours ago
- General
- Borneo Post
Harmony Run marks end of Unity Week, celebrates Sarawak's diversity
Dirwana (fourth left) joins participants for a group photo at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang, before flagging off the Harmony Run. SIBU (July 28): A total of 530 participants from various walks of life took part in the Harmony Run held at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang here yesterday, marking the conclusion of the state-level 2025 Unity Week celebration. Organised by the Department of National Unity and National Integration (JPNIN) Sarawak, the run aimed to foster a spirit of unity and harmony among Sarawak's multiracial community while promoting the religious diversity that exists in Malaysia. Sarawak JPNIN director, Dirwana Azool, said participants passed through three symbolic locations along the route — a mosque, a church, and a temple — as a gesture to showcase and celebrate the nation's cultural and religious pluralism. 'At the very least, we want to show that this is our culture, one that always embraces diversity among races,' Dirwana said after the event. He emphasised that the Harmony Run is not just about competition, but more importantly about nurturing a society that views its differences as strengths. Dirwana added that the run was one of the main highlights of Unity Week, which is held annually at different locations throughout the state. 'The response for this year's event in Sibu is very encouraging. We hope to see more people participating in the future,' he said. He also noted that Sarawak currently has 1,096 Kawasan Rukun Tetangga (KRT) or neighbourhood committee areas, making it the third highest in the country in terms of such community groups. 'This year, we are targeting the establishment of 10 more KRTs, especially in urban and suburban areas in line with the development of new settlements,' Dirwana added. In addition, Sarawak has 549 Skim Rondaan Sukarela (SRS) or Voluntary Patrol Scheme units under JPNIN, which play a vital role in assisting police with neighbourhood safety efforts. Dirwana Azool diversity Harmony Run Unity Week
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Sarawak a model of unity in diversity, says National Unity Minister
Saraswathy strikes the gong to mark the official opening of Sambutan Minggu Perpaduan 2025. SIBU (July 26): Sarawak continues to exemplify how ethnic and cultural diversity can be a unifying strength rather than a dividing barrier, said National Unity Minister Dato Sri Aaron Ago Dagang. His message was delivered by Deputy Minister Senator Saraswathy Kandasami during the state-level launch of Sambutan Minggu Perpaduan 2025 at Dataran Tun Tuanku Haji Bujang here today. Hundreds gathered for the unity-themed cultural celebration. 'Sarawak is the best reflection of how cultural and ethnic differences are not hindrances, but rather the strength that binds its people together,' Aaron said. He noted that the diverse ethnic communities in Sarawak including the Iban, Bidayuh, Malay, Melanau, Orang Ulu, Chinese, and many others have long embodied harmonious living built on mutual respect and shared traditions. 'In this land, respect and manners are not just practised, but deeply ingrained. 'The sense of mutual regard transcends ancestry, religion, and geography,' he said, adding that Sarawak has gone beyond tolerance to embracing diversity with pride. Aaron commended Sarawak for becoming a model of unity that the rest of Malaysia could emulate, particularly at a time when the world is facing cultural conflicts and identity politics. 'In a world shaken by identity crises and cultural clashes, Sarawak stands as a beacon of hope – a society that teaches us unity doesn't mean uniformity, but celebrating differences with empathy and respect,' he emphasised. Highlighting the ministry's broader objective of fostering national cohesion, Aaron said efforts are underway to develop a comprehensive framework for building a stronger Malaysian identity – one that is inclusive and grounded in shared values. He acknowledged that one of the key challenges to national unity lies in the continued reliance on ethnic lines for daily interactions and identity formation. 'According to the National Unity Index, ethnicity continues to be a major social deficit, often limiting meaningful interaction across communities,' he noted. Addressing this, he urged for the creation of an inclusive national identity that transcends ethnicity, uniting Malaysians through common values and shared purpose in line with the Malaysia Madani vision. The event featured ethnic performances, cultural exhibitions, traditional games, and youth programmes designed to strengthen grassroots unity. It came following last week's national-level Unity Week celebration in Penang, officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Aaron called on all Malaysians to move beyond symbolic unity celebrations and embrace unity as a genuine 'national movement that stirs the conscience of the people'. 'Let us make this Unity Week not just a yearly festivity, but a rallying call to build a future where we stand together as one, united in diversity, grounded in Madani values,' he said. Also present was Ngemah assemblyman Anyi Jana, who delivered the welcoming address. Aaron Ago Dagang diversity Sibu unity
The Sun
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
National Unity Ministry proposes 21 initiatives for 13MP in Malaysia
SIBU: The Ministry of National Unity has put forward 21 proposals for inclusion in the upcoming 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), aiming to strengthen national cohesion through sustainable initiatives. National Unity Minister Datuk Seri Aaron Ago Dagang highlighted that the proposals prioritise the Pembinaan Negara Bangsa initiative, aligning with the ministry's long-term unity goals. 'Nation-building is crucial for Malaysia as a multi-racial and multi-cultural country. It must be formulated comprehensively so that the unity we build will be long-lasting,' he said. His speech was delivered by Deputy Minister Senator Saraswathy Kandasami at the Sarawak-level Unity Week (SMP) 2025 launch in Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang. The event saw participation from key officials, including Ministry secretary-general Datuk Haslina Abdul Hamid and Sarawak JPNIN director Diwarna Azool. Aaron added that the ministry is developing a framework to foster a unified national identity. The SMP 2025 celebration, running from July 25 to 27, featured unity-themed activities such as traditional sports, aerobics, and cultural exhibitions. Government agencies and departments also showcased initiatives promoting interracial dialogue and youth engagement, reinforcing Sarawak's diverse community spirit. - Bernama
New Straits Times
7 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Everyone should 'build bridges' for lasting unity
LETTERS: Last Saturday, the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim launched National Unity Week in Penang. Held from July 17 to 20 across the country, it also serves as a prelude to the Merdeka celebrations next month. Sadly, not many people pay attention to the National Unity Week, which was held to help strengthen the bonds between people of different races, religions and regions. It is a reminder of what holds us together as Malaysians. Right now, our state of unity has much room to grow. There is a lot of noise out there. People are arguing more. Social media is filled with insults and antagonism. At times, it feels like we are losing the sense of mutual respect and trust that once defined Malaysia. One reason is that some quarters find it useful to play on our fears. When some people choose division over unity, everyone loses. True leadership means building bridges, not burning them. It means putting the country first, even when it is hard. It means having the courage to say no to those who benefit from chaos and fear. Unity cannot be built on slogans alone. It must be built on understanding, empathy, and shared responsibility. Each of us has a role to play in this. Malaysia has a rich history and a complex social fabric. We come from many traditions and cultures. We speak different languages and practise different faiths. But this is not something to fear. It is something to be cherished. Having the understanding about our collective roots allows us to better navigate the complexity of living in a plural society. It provides context about our surroundings and our place in it. We must learn to put ourselves in the shoes of others. This means listening without judgement. It means asking questions before jumping to conclusions. Whether through speeches, online comments or viral videos, some people try to provoke anger or hatred. They want to divide us for their own gain. We must not let them succeed. In my constituency in Jementah, I see real unity every day. When floods hit, neighbours of all races come together to help. During festive seasons, families of different backgrounds visit one another. In our neighbourhoods, children from diverse backgrounds play side by side, laugh together and grow up as friends. We look beyond race and religion. This is the Malaysia I know. We must protect this spirit of togetherness. Not just during Unity Week, but all year round. It should live in how we talk to each other, how we solve problems, and how we teach our children. Unity does not mean we must all be the same. It means we must work together even when we are different. Malaysia's strength lies in our diversity. But that strength will only show if we choose to stand together. Not just when it is easy, but especially when it is hard. Let Unity Week be more than an annual event. We ought to live the spirit of this event every day of the year - in good times and bad. Unity is not the job of the government alone. It is not just the work of schools or community groups. Unity is everyone's job. Jementah, Johor
The Star
20-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
‘Not happy? Let MPs decide or wait for GE'
Honouring indigenous traditions: Anwar participating in an event with Orang Asli dancers at the opening ceremony of the national-level Unity Week celebration in the vicinity of Batu Kawan Stadium. — Bernama NIBONG TEBAL: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim cautioned that any legitimate changes in government should follow constitutional procedures and not be attempted through street demonstrations. Responding to recent protests calling for his resignation, the Prime Minister said while the government does not oppose peaceful assemblies, any transition of power should be carried out through democratic and lawful means to uphold stability and the rule of law. 'If someone believes that the Prime Minister no longer commands the majority in Parliament, they should follow the Dewan Rakyat Speaker's advice and file a motion of no confidence. 'Let it be decided through votes in Parliament, if there are the numbers. If not, wait until the next general election. 'You cannot try to topple the government just because you are dissatisfied or impatient,' he said at the National Unity Week celebration. Anwar gave assurance that the government is always willing to listen to the people and does not govern by inciting hatred or destruction. 'We do not govern through anger or hatred, but by listening, reviewing and improving,' he said, dismissing allegations that the government suppresses freedom of speech. 'Don't think it's all easy. Building (a nation) takes time; destroying it is far easier. This country remains peaceful because the people are more mature and do not give in to incitement that causes division.' Anwar said on the international stage, Malaysia's stability has attracted global attention, with Kuala Lumpur recently hosting key discussions during the 58th Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting. 'Kuala Lumpur has recently drawn global attention, and for the first time since Donald Trump became president, high-level talks took place between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi. 'They both held discussions, but more importantly, Malaysia was given space (to host such engagements). For the first time ever, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov also held high-level discussions with Rubio,' he said. National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang gave an update on the ongoing National Unity Index, a key instrument to measure and strengthen national unity. 'The National Unity Index is expected to achieve a score of 0.7, which reflects the level of unity among Malaysians. 'This index assesses key aspects such as inter-ethnic relations, perceptions of national identity, and social trust, and serves as a main reference in formulating policies and ministry initiatives aimed at strengthening national unity.' Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, in his speech, reaffirmed the state government's strong commitment to community development and social unity through grassroots initiatives and inclusive representation. 'The state prioritises community development as a key agenda. 'This is evident through the appointment of the Village Community Management Councils, which remain active, attentive and close to the people across all walks of life,' he said.
