The Interweaved and Imbedded Impact of the Rukun Tetangga Community Relations Programme on Malaysian Nationhood as Governed by the Rukun Negara National Ideology.

Abstract

The Malaysian ‘Rukun’ national programmes saw the light of day in the aftermath of the tragic May 1969 inter-communal conflicts. Following the introduction of the national ideology Rukun Negara in 1971, the Rukun Tetangga Scheme (RTS) was introduced in 1975 to enable the local communities throughout the nation to harmoniously help enhance residential social security. The objectives of this research study are to attempt to understand the extent the nation’s national ideology, the Rukun Negara, is being imbued in the enforcement and practices of the Rukun Tetangga national community security enhancement programme. The research methodology used was mainly the qualitative approach, with an extent of data derived using the quantitative methododology. Official data from government documentary sources, in-depth interviews with relevant department officials, and observations in the course of the research study over six months were employed. The major findings of this study show that there is [invariably] still a considerable concern for community security. The youth also tended to be in different towards the goals of the RTS (Rukun Tetangga Scheme). and felt that the activities needed to be made to be ‘felt’ by them and all residents. This, they felt, can help bring all residents to come together and build communal bridges and solidarity more meaningfully.