KPN To Enhance Efforts To Foster Deeper Understanding Of Unity

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 9 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of National Unity (KPN) will continue to enhance its efforts to raise awareness and promote a deeper understanding of the importance of unity among Malaysians through inclusive and impactful programmes.

Minister Datuk Seri Aaron Ago Dagang said that KPN would ensure unity in the country continued to be maintained, taking into account the ethnic, cultural, and religious diversity that formed the foundation of the nation’s strength.

“In 2024, KPN implemented 730 programmes, encompassing the Semarak Perpaduan, Semarak Kenegaraan, and Komuniti Rahmah clusters. These programmes serve as a platform for national integration, fostering greater interaction among Malaysians of different races and religions,” he said in a statement today.

He said this in response to the views, suggestions, and constructive criticism from director of the Asia Institute at the University of Tasmania Prof Dr James Chin, regarding KPN’s relevance.

On the management of unity issues, Aaron revealed that KPN had established the Unity Issues Management Committee (JPIP) this year, chaired by the ministry’s secretary-general, Datuk Seri Hasnol Zam Zam Ahmad, to review all incidents and unity-related issues in the country.

“The establishment of the JPIP will also enable the KPN to act swiftly in providing feedback and advice to Malaysians. The first JPIP meeting was held last January,” he said.

The JPIP is made up of representatives from the KPN, the National Security Council, the Home Ministry, the Royal Malaysia Police, the Communications Ministry, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, the Housing and Local Government Ministry, and the Education Ministry.

The committee also includes representatives from the Southeast Asia Regional Centre for Counter-terrorism, the Youth and Sports Ministry, the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia, the Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia, and several academics.

Aaron said that KPN had also implemented various efforts and initiatives in managing unity issues, such as reporting through the eSepakat system, establishing eight community mediation centres, appointing 571 community mediators, and monitoring through the Unity Analytics Dashboard.

Meanwhile, the minister said that he was always open to receiving constructive views and suggestions from all parties, including elected representatives, academics, and the private sector, and was willing to meet with anyone seeking clarification on the unity issue in the country.

“Unity is the responsibility of all parties, not just the government. It requires active involvement from every level of society, including the private sector, non-governmental organisations, and individuals within the community,” he said.

-- BERNAMA