By Doreen Ling
KUCHING, Oct 10: As part of efforts to further strengthen national unity, the government has allocated RM46 million under Budget 2026 to build three new Unity Activity Centres, including one in Miri.
During the tabling of the budget today, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that the other two will be in Terengganu and Perak.
In addition, RM55 million has been allocated to enhance programmes promoting national unity and identity, such as Unity Week, Harmony MADANI, and Citra Nusa Muzium, which includes overnight museum activities.
“We built this nation upon the pillar of unity—segulai sejalai (together in unity)—and it is our duty to defend it. Any spark of hatred that threatens harmony must be swiftly extinguished. The people must be able to live without fear or insecurity.
“To strengthen national civilisation through tradition, arts, ethics, and unity, two new compulsory modules—Philosophy and Contemporary Challenges and National Aspirations—will be introduced at public higher learning institutions (IPTs) starting in 2026, and later expanded further,” he said.
Meanwhile, a RM30 million matching grant will be provided to support associations and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in organising community sports activities.
“Whether in the cheers of the stadium or at the mamak stall, sports undeniably serve as a platform to build national identity—something that makes us proud to be Malaysians,” he said.
Anwar also said that RM55 million will be allocated to strengthen the role of Rukun Tetangga MADANI as a bridge fostering family and community activities across multicultural neighbourhoods, and the Jiwa Murni MADANI programme will be further strengthened with an increased allocation of RM20 million. — DayakDaily
