During his speech at the launch of the 50th anniversary celebration of the Rukun Negara, Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin reminded Malaysians how the five principles form the foundation of every Malaysians’ national identity.

The Rukun Negara was declared on Merdeka Day in 1970, over a year after the nation suffered one of its bloodiest riots on May 13th, 1969.

The principles were introduced in a bid to solidify strong national unity, and to spur prosperity and development.