Topic 11 sociol development policy

INTRODUCTION Do you know that the development of the country, especially in a social sense, is heavily influenced by actions and policies which have been carried out by the government for decades ever since Independence? With these efforts, it can be seen that social development is continuously changing according to the needs of the times. What are these social policies? As a Malaysian citizen involved in social development, you should be aware of the objectives and role of these policies, in order to know the direction the government is taking towards social development. This allows us to contribute towards the nationÊs social development.

NATIONAL EDUCATION POLICY

The national education policy was drafted to replace the colonialistsÊ education system. The National Education Policy was established as a result of the Razak Statement 1956, and was enshrined in the Education Ordinance 1957. This education policy was re-examined in 1960. As a result, the Rahman Talib Report was produced. The Rahman Talib Report was then enshrined in the Education Act

11.1

TTooppiicc 1111 Social

Development

Policy

2. Identify the importance and role of each social policy implemented; and

3. Apply learnt strategies and policies to daily life to support the governmentÊs aspirations.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this topic, you should be able to:

1. Outline social policies that have been carried out by the government of Malaysia;

TOPIC 11 SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT POLICY 181

1961. Later, a Cabinet Committee was formed in 1974 to restudy the Education Policy in order to improve its implementation to produce a united and disciplined society and meet the demands for a trained workforce in developing the country. The CommitteeÊs Report was published in 1979.

ACTIVITY 11.1

Why did Malaya need to establish her own national education policy? What form of education system existed during the colonial era? Discuss.

The development of the education system during the colonial era did not take into consideration the needs for development, national identity and unity. The education system of the time focused more on maintaining the loyalties of the immigrants and their descendants to their homeland and suppressed the spirit to develop among the locals. This system was finally changed when Malaya achieved independence. Therefore, steps were taken to draft a national system of education suited for an independent nation and possessing goals that displayed the identity of a sovereign country.

11.1.1 What are the Objectives of the National Education Policy?

The objectives of this policy are:

(a) The Education Act 1961 states ÂTruly the education system as declared in the Education Ordinance 1957 is to form a system of education that will fulfil the nationÊs needs and encourage cultural, social, economic and political developmentsÊ.

This objective is stated in general, but in implementing it, the Education Ministry which was guided by the Razak Statement 1956 and Rahman Talib Report 1960 interpreted it as uniting schoolchildren of various races and providing a workforce (ÂworkforceÊ is the term used by the Cabinet Committee) for economic needs.

(b) The Cabinet Committee was formed with fixed duties. This mirrors the hope that the Education Policy can fulfil the countryÊs workforce in the short term and long term to produce a united, disciplined and trained society. The National Education Philosophy, which was based on the intentions and aspirations of the country, stresses on efforts to produce knowledgeable individuals of good behaviour, balanced and in harmony, who can achieve


well-being and contribute to the harmony and prosperity of the society and the nation.

11.1.2 Implementation Strategies

To realize the goals of the National Education Policy, the following strategies must be implemented:

(a) Making the national language the main medium of instruction.

(b) Creating a standard curriculum that is Malaysia-oriented for all types of schools.

(c) Creating a standard system of examinations for all.

(d) Streamlining procedures on education management.

(e) Increasing the overall quality of education by providing a comprehensive, balanced and integrated education.

(f) Creating basic education opportunities for nine years.

(g) Creating a fair system of education in terms of quality and opportunities by distributing allocations equally and giving special focus on the less fortunate and inhabitants in rural and interior areas.

(h) Providing primary education according to the Primary Schools New Curriculum (KBSR) which is based on 3M reading (Membaca), writing (Menulis) and counting (Mengira) that was initiated in 1989. The main aim of this new curriculum was to give birth to individuals balanced in terms of knowledge and suitable skills with strong morals and ethical values.

(i) Expand vocational and technical education through the restructuring of the Vocational Schools curriculum which occurred in 1978.

(j) Diversify and increase the number of education facilities at university levels, especially in applied sciences and applied arts fields.

(k) Improving spiritual, moral and disciplinary education.

(l) Making the national language and English compulsory subjects in schools and giving opportunities to study other languages like Chinese and Tamil.

(m) Encouraging co-curricular activities that cultivate discipline, like army cadets, police cadets, scouts, girl guides and others.


ACTIVITY 11.2

(a) In Malaysia, there are national-type schools for the Chinese and Indians. What are your views on the forming of national-type schools that use mother tongues as the medium of instruction? What are the long-term effects on the education system of Malaysia?

(b) ÂUnity among the multiracial population in Malaysia is good enough but would be better if Malay, Chinese and Indian children could interact and learn under one roof since youngÊ. This statement refers to the forming of Chinese and Tamil national-type schools. What are your views? Discuss.

(c) What are your views on the teaching of Mathematics and Science in English?

NATIONAL CULTURE POLICY 11.2

Every day we eat, dress, socialise, converse and so on. The question is: How are we different from the other races in the way we eat, dress, interact and socialise? You should be able to understand what a culture is by answering the question. Culture is the overall way of life practised by people. It plays an important function in the development process of the country where MalaysiaÊs character has to be cultivated in an effort to improve socio-economic and political development. This would surely require the garnering and involvement of all layers of society in one continuous process. For a multiracial country like Malaysia, the process of forming a national culture requires diligent and careful planning to produce a Malaysianised society.

Look around you and observe if the Malays, Chinese, Indians and other pribumis share similarities in attire, cuisine, conversation, rituals or festivals? If they donÊt, why and what are the differences?

ACTIVITY 11.3


11.2.1 Why Does Malaysia Need a National Culture?

The creation of the National Culture Policy is important for a developing nation with a multiracial population like Malaysia. This policy will function as the guideline in forming a Malaysian identity as a country in the eyes of the world. The Malaysian National Culture will be based on the three elements and principles set by the government as the National Culture Policy. These principles are:

(a) Based on the cultures of the Original inhabitants of the region. This region, which encompasses Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Brunei, Thailand, Cambodia as well as the South Pacific Islands (Polynesia, Melanesia and Oceania) right up to Malagasy, forms the bulk of the Malay civilisation and culture. This region has been the centre for the diaspora, spread and heritage of the Malay culture for ages and is marked by the glory of the Malay civilisation centred in Malacca which used Bahasa Melayu as the lingua franca.

The culture of the region is charecterised by similarities in languages based on Bahasa Melayu Austronesia family, geographical position, historical experiences, abundance of resources, arts and character values. The Malay culture today is a way of life a symbol of identity and character yardstick to more than 200 million people who speak the same stock of language. Hence the culture of the original inhabitants, the Malay culture, in a narrow or wide sense, was made the basis of the national culture.

(b) Elements of other cultures that are suitable and appropriate can be accepted as something dynamic, constantly evolving according to assimilation and continuous adaptation. This principle is suited to the situation of having a multiracial society that has inherited various cultures. Hence Chinese, Indian, Arabic, Western and other cultures that are suitable and appropriate are considered and accepted in the forming of the national culture. The suitability is based on the fact that the elements do not contradict the Constitution and Rukun Negara principles and national interests, as well as common moral and spiritual values and Islam as the official religion.

(c) Islam is an important element in forming the national culture. Religion and belief in God is an important factor in the countryÊs development process as well as the forming of a noble and conscientious society. Islam provides moral guidelines to humans in balancing and unifying efforts to fulfil their emotional and physical needs and thus should be a vital component in the National Culture. It is also the official religion of the country, and its values have historically been widely embraced by a large part of the community in


the region. The acceptance of the National Culture Congress 1971 symbolises the three basic principles above.

The forming of MalaysiaÊs National Culture is aimed to achieve three important objectives:

(a) Strengthen racial and national unity through cultures;

(b) Cultivate and preserve the nationÊs character that arise from the National Culture; and

(c) Enrich and increase the quality of life and spirituality that is balanced with socio-economic development.

11.2.2 POLICY IMPLEMENTATION

The strategies and objective implementation of this policy can be achieved through:

(a) Rehabilitation, preservation and development of culture towards strengthening the fundamentals of the national culture through joint efforts in research, development, education, and cultural expansion and communication;

(b) Increase and strengthen leadership of culture through efforts in guiding and training interested parties, widely support and promote culture as effective development machinery;

(c) Create an effective communication to build awareness of the country, nationhood and nationalism;

(d) Fulfil socio-cultural needs; and

(e) Improve the standards and quality of the arts. Besides the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism, the involvement of other parties is also important in the implementation of this policy. These parties include central government ministries and department, state governments, statutory bodies, the private sector and cultural associations. The role of the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism in the implementation of the goals and strategies of this policy is important. Among others, the ministry manages research and development, promotion, education and the expansion of arts and communications towards the development of the national culture. These efforts can be achieved through:


Developmental activities.

Cultural performances by the National Culture Complex as the organiser and secretariat for international cultural communications.

State Cultural Councils.

Advice for strengthening cultural associations and cooperation with international bodies.

The role of Ministries, Departments, State governments and other statutory bodies is equally important in implementing the policyÊs strategy in the daily management and implementation of current policies. The private sectors and cultural associations are needed to carry out efforts to develop and advance culture at respective organisational levels and subsequently sponsor cultural programmes or projects.

(a) In this day and age of globalisation, many cultures are brought into Malaysia, especially through the mass media. In your opinion, what are the effects of these foreign cultures on the local Malaysian culture?

(b) In your opinion, is the practise of joint celebrations of kongsi raya still

relevant in this era of globalisation?

ACTIVITY 11.4

NATIONAL FAMILY POLICY 11.3

Do you know that a strong family institution influences the stability of the society and country? The strengthening of the institution can only be achieved through the cultivation of love and care in every family member. Through love and care, there can be mutual feelings of respect, empathy and responsibility between one another. This will also reveal the fact that every family member, from grandparents to parents down to their children, needs to enjoy a healthy, safe and happy life. To achieve this intention, the National Family Policy (NFP) was introduced to focus on the well-being of the family unit, and this is proof that the government is earnestly trying to fortify the family institution in line with the national development. The National Family Policy (NFP) prioritises the well-being of the family in an effort to develop the family institution based on noble values to strengthen and stabilise families through the increase in the potential and capabilities of family members and the society.


The objective of NEP is to develop capable and healthy families to produce a quality and noble generation. This is through the strong support and endeavour of all parties in prioritising the well-being of families.

11.3.1 The Rationale behind the Creation of the National Family Policy

The National Family Policy is established for the following reasons:

(a) Total and comprehensive family development, encompassing physical, mental, social, emotional and spiritual development at all levels in the family cycle.

(b) Efforts to acknowledge and support the roles, rights and responsibilities and functions of each family member to develop strong, stable and harmonious families. The family is the most basic unit in providing a platform for the development of character and human resources to drive the countryÊs progress. Hence, the government and all relevant parties must provide protection, services and support to empower families to use their inherent strengths to produce high quality and noble human resources.

(c) Identify, prioritise, and guide and encourage families to instil, appreciate, cultivate and practise noble and family values. The practise of noble values among family members has to be spread and reinforced in the educational institutions, community and workplace.

(d) The family is the institution that will hand down values and morals to future generations. Thus, a family culture full of caring, fairness and equality where each member shares the burden and responsibilities regardless of gender can be created, strengthened and spread. This culture should develop and maintain cooperation and equal sharing of resources in a family.

(e) Emphasis should also be placed on rights and protection by the law to preserve the prosperity and security of family members. An individualÊs right to be respected with pride and dignity in a family is protected by the law.

(f) This policy can provide a guide and reminder, increase social commitment and responsibilities among all parties to prioritise on the well-being of the family.


11.3.2 General Objectives

The objective of the NFP is to give priority to the well being of the family in national development, based on noble values, by strengthening and stabilising the family institution through the support of all parties to provide policies, legislations, programmes, services, facilities and a friendly family environment.

11.3.3 Specific Objectives

The following are the specific objectives of the NFP:

(a) Ensure all parties prioritise family well-being in the countryÊs development policies and programmes.

(b) Provide and widen family development programmes and services, facilities as well as family support to strengthen and stabilise the family institution.

(c) Ensure the absorption and appreciation of noble values are made the foundation of Malaysian families to produce quality and noble generations.

(d) Increase the garnering of support and resources among all parties to prioritise family well-being.

POLICY IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES 11.4

To implement the National Family Policy, the following strategies could be implemented:

Advocacy of family first

Re-examine all legislations, policies, procedures, and programmes to instil family closeness

Training and research for excellent family development

Consultation and smart sharing

Research and development

Providing facilities and environment to empower families

11.4.1 Advocacy of Family First

Through advocacy, empathy and desire should be increased to prioritise the family in development policies and programmes by leaders, policy-makers,


decision-makers in the public and private sectors, community leaders and family members.

11.4.2 Re-examine All Legislations, Policies, Procedures and Programmes to Instil Family Closeness

This strategy will move the initiative and provide support to all efforts to examine, restudy and amend policies, laws, programmes and rules to encourage family closeness.

11.4.3 Training and Research for Excellent Family Development

Training and research for excellent family development is important for the following reasons:

(a) Provide opportunities and avenues for families to join the Excellent Family Development Training and Education programme that is comprehensive and gender-sensitive.

(b) Encourage families to possess knowledge and increase various relevant skills to develop individuals who think scientifically and progressively with proper morals to achieve prosperity.

(c) Provide various education and formal and informal training methods that are creative and effective, including the use of the latest information technology and communication to enable family members to gain knowledge and skills.

11.4.4 Consultation and Smart Sharing

Consultation and smart sharing exists between various government agencies, the private sector, non-statutory bodies, institutions of higher education and the community. This strategy can create a mechanism at national level to increase:

(a) Understanding and commitment to drive programmes by the private and public sectors and the community that prioritise families.

(b) Strong and integrated cooperation between involved parties.

(c) To speed up implementation of programmes that prioritise families through sharing of information, experts, technical sources, coaches and trainers, and


financial sources among the government, private sector, non-statutory bodies, research institutions and institutions of higher education.

(d) Non-governmental organisations can also implement programmes at the grassroot level throughout the country with the existence of technical and financial sources.

11.4.5 Research and Development

This strategy will encourage:

(a) Basic research, integrated and applicable in family development where the results can be used as input for forming policies and programmes.

(b) Implementation and increase in research and development in family development by government agencies, private sector, institutions of higher education and government bodies.

11.4.6 Providing Facilities and Environment to Empower Families

Through this strategy, efforts to create sharing, exchanges, gathering and increment of various sources to handle service programmes and activities as well as family-friendly facilities can be implemented. This strategy can also hasten the implementation of programmes as the facilities get readily-available resources.

(a) Give the role of the media in family development in Malaysia. What are the steps in creating a caring society among Malaysians?

(b) The continued development that is occurring of late is seemingly

sidelining the forming of cultural values on individual personalities, making them immature. The continued emphasis on an economy that stresses on the importance of materialism, development that highlights sophisticated infrastructures, as well as an education sector that stresses on academic excellence have resulted in the decline of social development and cultivation of noble values. What are your views on the issue?

ACTIVITY 11.5


NATIONAL WOMEN’S POLICY 11.5

The participation of women in the workforce has increased since 1957, where women have been involved in almost all types of occupation, so much so that this group made up 34.7% of the overall workforce in 2000, compared to only 24.5% at the beginning of Independence. The contribution of women in the development of the country cannot be denied. In fact, their role has been prominent ever since Independence. This achievement is in line with the challenges of globalisation. The class which was once perceived as the weakest group has now progressed to play an important role in making the nation a success. As the saying goes: The hand that rocks the cradle can shake the worldÊ. Women also have the power to determine the direction of the country. In Malaysia, 7.4 million women work and this shows that they are contributing to the countryÊs development. Being an important asset of the country, the government does not want to waste the potential of women. Thus, it introduced the National WomenÊs Policy to guarantee the status and rights of women in the countryÊs development. Considering that women are a potential source for development that were only recently acknowledged, this policy is meant to provide a guide and direction to plan and implement all development programmes to ensure the importance and participation of women are not neglected in the modern society. Women have long played an active role as supporters of the countryÊs politics. Development is a process that requires the full involvement of men and women. Therefore this policy repeats the stand that stresses on the active and meaningful participation of women in politics. This policy takes into account interests, efforts and involvement of the government, demands by associations to support several resolutions at international stages, the demands of women organisations in Malaysia as well as the forming of movers at the Central government stage, the Secretariat of WomenÊs Affairs (HAWA).

11.5.1 Documents Referred during the Forming of the National Women’s Policy

Several important documents were referred to during the formation of the National WomenÊs Policy. Among the important ones were:

(a) The resolutions of the United NationsÊ World End-of-Decade Summit on Women (1975-1985) which took place in Nairobi, Kenya in 1985 themed


ÂForward Looking StrategiesÊ to face the year 2000. The resolutions contained in this international publication have already been fully accepted by the Malaysian government.

(b) Statement of Policy by Commonwealth Secretariat on women and development, signed by Commonwealth Heads of Government in Nassau, Bahamas in 1985.

(c) Commonwealth Plan of Action to support the effectiveness of the Policy above which was verified by the Malaysian Government at the Commonwealth Heads of Government in 1987 at Vancouver, Canada.

(d) Recommendations made by the Summit of Ministers Responsible for WomenÊs Affairs in Harare, Zimbabwe in 1987 that called on every government to form a policy on women and development that was to be integrated into national development programmes.

(e) Working Paper prepared by the National Advisory Council on Integration of Women in Development (NACIWID) and approved by the Council in its meeting on 31st January 1986. At state level, several consultations and seminars were held by HAWA and the National Council of WomenÊs Organisations of Malaysia (NCWO) to reach an agreement and support on these international recommendations. The involvement of the government was received at all levels of these efforts.

11.5.2 Goals of the National Women’s Policy

The following are goals of the National WomenÊs Policy: (a) To guarantee the equal sharing of sources, information, opportunities to

participate and benefits of development to men and women. The goal of similarities and equality must be made the basis of development policies that are people-oriented, thus ensuring that women who constitute half of the countryÊs population can contribute and achieve their potential fully.

(b) To integrate women in all national development factors in line with

capability and needs of women to increase quality of life, eradicate poverty, eradicate ignorance and illiteracy and uphold the countryÊs peace, prosperity and harmony.


ACTIVITY 11.6

In your opinion, is Malaysia capable achieving at least 30% women participation in all levels of decision-making in the country? Discuss and share your opinion in class.

11.5.3 Main Principles and Guide of the National Women’s Policy

The following are the main principles and guide of the National WomenÊs Policy:

(a) This womenÊs policy has to be standardised with the national development policy, which is based on the nobleness of the constitution that is related to basic rights, protection by the law, unity and freedom. This policy also prioritises the active participation and involvement of women and men in development, whether at planning stages or implementation stages and impact evaluation.

(b) This policy also takes into account the potential of manpower of which half comprises women. The expansion and integration of the women workforce must not be restricted to traditional sectors only, but to also include all economic, social, political and cultural sectors and layers.

(c) Efforts to integrate women into development have to be a joint responsibility between government and non-government sectors. The implementation of this policy is a general function, not restricted to one gender sector or agency only.

(d) The special needs of women are not jeopardised; maternal and familial responsibilities should not be sacrificed and the honour and respect for women are not neglected.

(e) WomenÊs level of education and knowledge is increased in line with their roles and involvement in the modern and dynamic society and world.

(f) Any gender discrimination that puts women at a disadvantage is eradicated in decision making and further actions.

(g) All information on targets and effects of development programmes must contain data on its effectiveness on women.


ACTIVITY 11.7

In your opinion, do women need to be given opportunities and a wider space in the development of the country?

NATIONAL YOUTH POLICY 11.6

11.6.1 Introduction

Did you know that according to the National Youth Policy, in the year 2000, the youths categorised as people between the ages 15 and 40, constituted 42.1% of the Malaysian population? At this time, youths are the driving force in various fields including politics, economics, society, sports and education. The percentage of youths working in the professional and technical areas has increased from 6.7 in 1995 to 7.9 in 2000. In fact, a Cabinet Committee on Youths has been set up at ministerial level. The National Youth Policy which was drafted in 1985 was re-examined in 1997 and replaced with the National Youth development Policy in efforts to garner youth potential as a whole. This youth development policy targeted youths between the ages of 18 and 25, based on six strategies belows:

(a) Increase efforts to widen knowledge;

(b) Instil noble values and positive attitudes;

(c) Empower youths with vocational skills;

(d) Improve suitable facilities to encourage healthy social interaction;

(e) Encourage a healthy lifestyle; and

(f) Build spirit of cooperation among government agencies, private sector and non-governmental organisations (NGO).

11.6.2 Among the Training Provided to Develop Youths

(a) Leadership training to create quality leaders among the youths. Various aspects are stressed upon such as negotiation skills, communication techniques and social interaction, managing events and cultivating positive habits.


(b) The government has also implemented the national social service programme that aims to instil patriotism and a spirit of volunteerism among youths.

(c) At the international stage, initiatives are taken to create a network with Commonwealth and Asean countries, as well as Japan and South Korea where the youths are given opportunities and exposure to increase leadership qualities and skills.

(d) Malaysian youths are also given formal training in skills to ensure they are capable of contributing productively to the economy. This formal training is carried out in national youth skills training institutes and industrial training institutes. The youths are also trained in various technical fields like mechanical engineering, electrical and electronic engineering as well as motor mechanics.

(e) The government has also tried to cultivate entrepreneurship potential among the youths by encouraging them to join entrepreneurial activities; conduct research and training as well as provide advice to these young entrepreneurs.

(f) The next project drafted for youth development is the healthy lifestyle programme. This is to equip the youths with positive values and attitudes in-line with the current times. Thus the Rakan Muda programme was launched, which emphasised on physical, spiritual, social and intellectual development by practising healthy and productive lifestyles.

(g) Youth and sports programmes are also created to produce active and healthy citizens, through activities such as motor and adventure sports. Other programmes include cultural programmes.

How can the status of youths in development be fortified? Does Malaysia need to create an Act related to youths?

ACTIVITY 11.8

NATIONAL INTEGRITY PLAN (NIP) 11.7

The NIP was launched on 23 April 2004, by the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Abdullah Haji Ahmad Badawi in-line with the fourth goal of Vision 2020, that is to form a society that has strong religious and spiritual values coupled with honourable manners.


NIP Objectives are:

(a) Provide direction and guidance for various sectors so that they could cooperate on major efforts to build a united, harmonious, moral and ethical society with integrity.

(b) Increase awareness, commitment and cooperation among various sectors in efforts to raise integrity so that integrity will become a social culture practised in all fields.

(c) Encourage spirit of responsibility among members of society and propel the development of a civil society that upholds and values principles of integrity.

(d) Contribute to the efforts to strengthen moral basics in the society and country and improve the well-being of the community.

(e) Improve competitiveness and lasting power of Malaysians in efforts to face challenges of the 21st century, specifically the challenges of globalisation, more effectively.

To achieve those objectives, the NIP organised and enhanced its targets known as TEKAD 2008 which will be achieved in a period of 5 years (2004-2008) which are:

Target 1 reduce graft, corruption and abuse of power

Target 2 increase efficiency in the public services system and overcome bureaucracy-related problems

Target 3 increase corporate administration and management, and business ethics

Target 4 solidify the family institution

Target 5 increase quality of living and prosperity of society.

11.7.1 Strategies on Implementing Integrity Action Plan

The whole approach, strategy, and action plan to realise the objectives and targets of the NIP are part of the countryÊs main agenda, and is now referred to as the Integrity Agenda. For this, the Malaysian Institute on Integrity will step up activities on education and awareness of integrity in public and private sectors, and among members of society so that the principles of integrity are practised in work and daily life.


(a) Strategy 1: Implementing the Agenda on Integrity for the Family institution The involvement of families and local communities in enhancing integrity will guarantee the success of the agenda in making integrity a social culture in the long term.

The family is the basic unit in forming noble values and behaviour. The family guides the behaviour and forms and enhances the integrity of its members. The focus on forming noble values should start at childhood while parents and guardians should provide guidance and set a good example to the children. Thus, the family plays an integral part in inculcating integrity. The Agenda on Integrity for families is to achieve the following:

(i) Development of family and individuals with integrity through the building of a happy family;

(ii) Improving integrity in physical and spiritual management; and

(iii) Enhancing noble values as the basis to forming an identity. (b) Strategy 2: Implementing the Agenda on Integrity for Communities

The institution of family lies in the middle of the local community or society. The community comprises families and clusters of neighbourhoods that form a network, which then lead to a bigger community.

The Agenda on Integrity for communities is to achieve the following:

(i) Strengthening of neighbourliness and community values;

(ii) Enhancing the associations and basic institution in the community; and

(iii) Strengthening patriotism and unity among races, as well as awareness on the conservation of the environment.

(c) Strategy 3: Implementing the Agenda on Integrity for Civil Societies

The space between families and communities and larger institutions, specifically the country and market forces or economic institutions, is the space for civil society. Through the process of modernisation, the progress of the middle class, influence and interaction with the international world and the impact of globalisation, the civil society space has expanded. Within this space are various NGOs that fight for various issues like womenÊs rights, consumers, the environment and human rights.


The Agenda on Integrity for the civil societies is to achieve the following:

(i) Increase of civil society integrity NGO;

(ii) Increase in NGO contribution towards efforts on enhancing integrity; and

(iii) Strengthen cooperation between NGOs, the government and private sector to enhance integrity.

(d) Strategy 4: Implementing the Agenda on Integrity for Socio-cultural

Institutions Socio-cultural institutions, which encompass education (schools, colleges, universities), health, sports and recreation, mass media, arts, literature and heritage, also play a part in building and strengthening integrity in society and country. The Agenda on Integrity for the socio-cultural institutions is to achieve the following:

(i) Building individuals with integrity in socio-cultural environment;

(ii) Increase of integrity in health, physical and spiritual management; and

(iii) Enhance noble values, unity and forming a national identity.

(e) Strategy 5: Implementing the Agenda on Integrity for Religious Institutions

Malaysia comprises multiracial societies of various religions. The religious institutions are very important in building the integrity of an individual, society and the nation. This is done by planting moral and ethical values in the individual and family based on respective religious teachings. The diversity in religions in Malaysia should not pose a problem if handled well. Hence, mutual respect, understanding and cooperation among the worshippers of various religions should be improved. Noble values with universal features from the various religions should be highlighted and practised to improve unity and mutual understanding among the worshippers.

The Agenda on Integrity for the Religious Institutions is to achieve the following:

(i) Increase cooperation, understanding and mutual respect among worshippers of various religions;

(ii) Appreciation and practice of the teachings of the respective religions; and

(iii) Increase of appreciation and practice of Islamic teachings as a progressive religion.


(f) Strategy 6: Implementing the Agenda of Integrity for Economic Institutions Economic Institutions are institutions that prosper the society and country through process of production and providing work employment opportunities. Moving in this space are many corporations and large companies, as well as small and medium enterprises. They have contributed to the progress of the country and prosperity of Malaysians.

The Agenda on Integrity for the Economic Institutions is to achieve the following:

(i) Enhance the integrity of the corporate sector;

(ii) Increase the corporate sectorÊs commitment towards social responsibilities.

(iii) Expand and strengthen an ethical business culture; and

(iv) Strengthen unity among ethic groups and between territories through economic activities.

(g) Strategy 7: Implementing the Agenda of Integrity on Political Institutions

Malaysia is a country that practises democracy, ruled by an elected government. This system combines a constitutional monarchy and a multi-party ruling system at the centre and states with elections held periodically. This system, implemented since independence, has been proven to be effective and has successfully brought stability, harmony and development to the multiracial population.

The Agenda on Integrity for the Political Institutions is to achieve the following:

(i) Maintain the nobleness of the Constitution and national political system;

(ii) Maintain sovereignty and status of the institution of Parliament as an honourable institution that drafts laws;

(iii) The practice of politics with integrity and development of a healthy, ethical, mature and democratic political culture, according to its own mix; and

(iv) Enhancing principles of transparency, responsibility and the best administration and management.


(h) Strategy 8: Implementing the Agenda on Integrity for Administrative Institutions The administrative institution in Malaysia is among the best in developing nations. The administrative machinery, together with the political machinery, is the backbone of the society and countryÊs strengths.

The Agenda on Integrity for the Administrative Institutions is to achieve the following:

(i) Enhancing principles of transparency, responsibility and the best administration and management; and

(ii) Increasing integrity in the public administrative machinery.

ACTIVITY 11.9

Among the objectives of the National Integrity Plan in battling the problems that arise are to cultivate the practice of integrity in politics and develop a political culture that is healthy, ethical, mature and democratic, within our own mould. Suggest how can the political system in our country, as a sovereign and independent nation, be cultivated according to its own mould?

The existence of the Social Development Policy is a proactive approach to

protect, preserve and look after society, as well as remedy existing social issues.

The existence of this policy encompasses philosophies and all social

development policies that are based on the constitution, Rukun Negara and Vision 2020.

This policy is actually on equal standing with main national policies like the

New Economic Policy, National Development Policy and Vision 2020 Policy. The implantation of this policy has to be given specific emphasis as a driving

mechanism to achieve a developed nation status by 2020.


National Culture Policy National Education Policy National Family Policy National Integrity Plan

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http://www.pmo.gov.my/

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