FIVE PRINCIPLES OF RUKUN NEGARA

1. Belief in God (Kepercayaan kapada Tuhan)

This Nation has been founded upon a firm belief in God. It was in the name of God that this Nation was established as a sovereign State.

Islam is the official religion of the Federation. Other religions and beliefs may be practised in peace and harmony and there shall be no discrimination against any citizen on the ground of religion.

2. Loyalty to King and Country (Kesetiaan kepada Raja dan Negara)

Malaysia is a constitutional monarchy and the Yang di‑Pertuan Agong is the sovereign Head of State. Parallel with this institution of the Yang di‑Pertuan Agong as a constitutional monarch is the continued existence of the institution of the State Rulers who are heads of their respective States.

The Yang di‑Pertuan Agong, the Rulers and the Governors are symbols of unity and therefore stand above politics.

The loyalty that is expected of every citizen is that he must be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty the Yang di‑Pertuan Agong and be a true, loyal and faithful citizen of the Federation. In addition, and without derogating from such loyalty, citizens who are subjects of the Rulers mu"i bear true allegiance and loyalty to their respective Rulers.

Loyalty constitutes the soul of our nationalism.. It is this inherent loyalty to King and Country which binds together our various races into one single, united Nation. Loyalty to other countries is inconsistent with undivided loyalty to this Nation.

3. Upholding the Constitution (Keluhuran perlembagaan)

Citizenship confers on a person membership of a state. The Constitution confers on a citizen certain rights and privileges; it also imposes on him certain duties and obligations towards the Nation.

It is the duly of a citizen to respect and appreciate the letter, the spirit and the historical background of the Constitution. This historical background led to such provisions as those regarding the position of His Majesty the Yang di‑Pertuan Agong and Their Royal Highnesses the Rulers, the position of Islam as the official religion, the position of Malay as the national and official language, the special position of the Malays and other Natives, the legitimate interests of the other communities, and the conferment of citizenship. It is the sacred duty of a citizen to defend and uphold the Constitution.

4. Rule o f Law (Kedaulatan Undang-undang)

Justice is founded upon the rule of law. Every citizen is equal before the law. Fundamental liberties are guaranteed to all citizens. These include liberty of the person, equal protection of the law, freedom of religion, rights of property and protection against banishment.

The Constitution confers on a citizen the right of free speech, assembly and association and this right may be enjoyed freely subject only to limitations imposed by law. The rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution do not include the right to overthrow the Government either by force or by other unconstitutional means.

The Rule of Law is ensured by the existence of an independent judiciary with powers to pronounce on the constitutionality and legality or otherwise of executive acts.

5. Good Behaviour and Morality (Kesopanan dan Kesusilaan)

Individuals and groups shall conduct their affairs in such a manner as not to violate any of the accepted canons of behaviour, which include the abhorrence and rejection of any conduct or behaviour which is arrogant or offensive to the sensitivities of any group. No citizen should question the loyalty of another citizen on the ground that he belongs to. a particular community. Good behaviour also includes a high standard of morality in both our personal and public life.