Budget 2026: Gov't To Strengthen Unity,  National Identity Through Sports And Community Initiatives

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 10 (Bernama) -- The government has reaffirmed its commitment to preserving national unity as the cornerstone of nation-building, with new initiatives aimed at promoting harmony, national identity and a strong sense of community.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysians must be able to live without fear or insecurity, stressing that sparks of hatred capable of disrupting social harmony must be swiftly extinguished to safeguard collective wellbeing.

“In efforts to strengthen traditions, arts, civility and national unity as the foundation of a civilised nation, two new modules — *Philosophy and Contemporary Challenges* and *Aspirations of a Nation* — will be made compulsory at higher education institutions from 2026, before being expanded further,” he said when tabling Budget 2026 in the Dewan Rakyat today.

Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, announced an allocation of RM55 million to implement various unity and nation-building programmes such as *Unity Week*, *Harmoni MADANI* and *Citra Nusa Museum*, including overnight museum activities to encourage youth participation.

He said three new Unity Activity Centres will be constructed at a cost of RM46 million — the Bukit Besar Unity Complex in Kuala Terengganu, and Unity Activity Centres in Bandar Seri Iskandar, Perak, and Miri, Sarawak.

Highlighting sports as a platform to foster patriotism and togetherness, the government has allocated a matching grant of RM30 million to support associations and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in organising community sports events that promote unity.

In addition, Anwar said RM55 million has been allocated to strengthen the role of *Rukun Tetangga MADANI* as a community bridge fostering family-oriented activities among Malaysia’s multi-ethnic society.

At the same time, the spirit of volunteerism will continue to be nurtured through the *Jiwa Murni MADANI* programme, which will see its funding increased to RM20 million following the active involvement of army personnel in assisting communities — including building the Compact Bailey 100 Bridge in Kampung Air Punggai, Alor Gajah, Melaka.

-- BERNAMA