Fatimah: Social inclusivity, representation core keys for diverse society

KUCHING (Oct 7): Social inclusivity contributes to harmony and enables Sarawak to flourish without conflict, said Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah.

The Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister in her speech at the closing of the Rukun Negara Youth Tour here yesterday, emphasised on inclusion and representation as the crucial elements in a society.

“We always make sure that there is an element of inclusivity so that no group feels superior while others are overlooked,” she said as cited in a Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) report.

A total of 186 participants joined the National Unity Ministry’s two-day Rukun Negara Youth Tour programme, meant to enhance young people’s understanding and appreciation of the Rukun Negara principles.

Fatimah said the youths as the future leaders must be equipped with the knowledge and aspirations of the ‘Rukun Negara’ principles.

“We want to ensure that the Sarawak youths can step up as future leaders, proving that they can excel not only in academics and skills, but also in holistic development,” she said.

The Minister was pleased to note that Sarawak is the pioneering state to implement the Rukun Negara Education and Appreciation action plan based on three core aspects namely ‘value-driven, systemic and integrated approaches, and impact on the community’.

The module, she noted, was developed by the Department of National Unity and Integration (JPNIN) in collaboration with Ikram Malaysia, with inputs from constitutional experts and non-governmental organisations.

In this regard, Fatimah suggested that JPNIN collaborate with the Sarawak Social Development Council (MPS) under her ministry to organise similar programmes for youth in every zone.

“MPS has the ‘Randau Solidariti’ programme where we travel to different locations. JPNIN can join these mini-programmes, as the youth are our focus group.

“Other initiatives like the substance and drug abuse prevention programme, as well as the sexual education advocacy awareness programme can also be expanded to involve students, parents, and the community,” she said.

Also present were JPNIN Sarawak director Dirwana Azool, and Ikram National Unity cluster head and Rukun Negara Youth Tour project director Dr Sabariah Baharun.