AYER HITAM: It is important for all Malaysians to truly understand the meaning of the principles in the Rukun Negara, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

The Ayer Hitam MP said the five principles of the Rukun Negara - Belief in God; Loyalty to King and Country; Upholding the Constitution; Rule of Law; and Good Behaviour and Morality - also serve as a guidance for the rakyat in the modern world.

“In school, we usually recite the Rukun Negara principles every assembly. As a former head boy, I have led many recitals," said Dr Wee.

He added that Malaysians should also understand the true meaning behind each principle and embody it in their lives

“It keeps ourselves in check and serves as guidance for all Malaysians,” the MCA president said in his speech before flagging off the Kembara Merdeka Jalur Gemilang convoy at SMK Datuk Menteri here on Sunday (July 30).

During the event, Dr Wee first welcomed the convoy headed by the Information Department, and handed out mini Jalur Gemilang to the students before flagging off the convoy as it makes its way towards Batu Pahat, Muar and then to Melaka.

The convoy covering more than 3,000km began in Ipoh on July 16 and will end at Dataran Putrajaya on August 31 in conjunction with the National Month celebrations and the Fly the Jalur Gemilang 2023 campaign.

It involves 132 checkpoints nationwide.

Later, after attending several programmes involving his constituents in Ayer Hitam, Dr Wee attended the closing ceremony of MCA’s workshop for new members in Alor Gajah, Melaka.

A total of 104 new members attended the training, which among others, covered the party and nation’s history, including MCA’s formation and its struggles for independence, party direction and contributions to nation building.

"The lessons given here are important for MCA to continue its role in politics," said Dr Wee.

Also present were party vice-president Datuk Lim Ban Hong, deputy treasurer-general Datuk Lawrence Low, national organising secretary Ling Tian Soon and his deputy Leaw Kok Chan, national publicity chief Chan Quin Er, and Melaka MCA deputy chief Datuk Koh Nai Kwong.