PM: Govt will consider RM5m matching grant in reviving 10 statesmen memorials

KOTA KINABALU, June 13 — The government will consider providing a RM5 million Matching Grant under Budget 2027 to support efforts to strengthen national identity, patriotism and national unity.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the initiative, handled by the National Archives of Malaysia, includes efforts to revive 10 statesmen’s memorials nationwide and accelerate the digitisation of the country’s historical treasures.

Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said the initiative involves holding interactive exhibitions in areas of public interest, such as educational institutions, shopping malls and public transport hubs.

“I would also like to propose to the Sabah Government to consider providing a suitable site for the development of the Sabah Statesman Memorial to appreciate the services and sacrifices of figures who shaped the history of the state and the country,” he said.

He said this when officiating the national-level National Unity Week celebrations at the Likas Sports Complex ground here today.

Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, Federal and state ministers and senior government officials.

Anwar said the MADANI Government would also provide activity grants totalling RM10,000 to 189 Rukun Negara Secretariats in higher learning institutions (IPTs) nationwide to implement nation-building, patriotism and unity programmes among students.

In addition, grants of RM5,000 will be provided to 6,849 Rukun Negara Clubs in schools to revitalise the practice and appreciation of the principles of Rukun Negara from an early stage of schooling.

“This initiative will produce more Rukun Negara Young Ambassadors, strengthening the spirit of unity among students of various races.

“It will also reactivate the implementation of the Student Integration Plan for Unity as a more effective platform for interaction and national integration,” he said.

The Prime Minister stressed that all these initiatives are aimed at continuously strengthening the appreciation and culture of Rukun Negara among the younger generation.

Meanwhile, Anwar reminded the people not to become complacent or assume that unity will naturally remain without continuous efforts to nurture and preserve it.

He said that a society that has enjoyed peace for a long time sometimes overlooks the fact that there are various influences that can erode the values of togetherness and instil sentiments contrary to the spirit of unity.

As such, Anwar expressed his appreciation to the Ministry of National Unity for its important role in fostering the spirit of unity since its establishment three years ago.

“Do not become complacent and assume unity will remain on its own; unity needs to be nurtured and defended from any efforts that can divide society,” he said. — Bernama