By Danial Dzulkifly
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 29 – The Rukun Negara, or National Principles, will be recited by all MPs in the Dewan Rakyat at the opening of every parliamentary session each year, announced Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul.
He said the declaration of national philosophy will be recited in full, including its preamble and five principles, on the second day of the first meeting of each session.
The decision was made after being agreed upon by two parliamentary select committees.
“I have brought the proposal to the parliamentary Committee on Nation Building, Education and Human Resources Development, as well as the Standing Orders Committee for their consideration.
“Both committees have agreed to implement reciting the Rukun Negara in the Dewan Rakyat. Therefore, the Rukun Negara will be recited at the opening of every session.
This initiative was initially proposed by National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang.
The Rukun Negara, established in the aftermath of the 1969 racial riots, consists of five principles — belief in God, loyalty to king and country, supremacy of the constitution, rule of law, and courtesy and morality.
