Malaysia is celebrating 49 years of independence today!
The exercise book (HT: Jeff Ooi) above gives me lots of memories of carefree primary and secondary school days. I recall when I was the head prefect in one of the secondary schools I lead the school assembly everyweek in reciting the Rukun Negara which is printed at the back of this exercise book. Considering where we are at lately in our country, reading through the principles makes one pause and pray and reconsider how one can be authentically a true Malaysian citizen.
“The philosophy has five main points. In the Malay language: Maka kami, rakyat Malaysia, berikrar akan menumpukan seluruh tenaga dan usaha kami untuk mencapai cita-cita tersebut berdasarkan atas prinsip-prinsip yang berikut:
1. Kepercayaan kepada Tuhan
2. Kesetiaan kepada Raja Dan Negara
3. Keluhuran Perlembagaan
4. Kedaulatan Undang-Undang
5. Kesopanan Dan KesusilaanIn English: We, citizens of Malaysia, pledge all our energy and efforts to attain these ends guided by the following principles:
1. Belief in God
2. Loyalty to King and Country
3. Supremacy of the Constitution.
4. The Rule of Law
5. Mutual respect and good social behaviour.”
Happy Independence Day!