The Rukun Negara (National Pillars) was proclaimed on 31 August 1970 in conjunction with the 13th anniversary of Malaysia's independence by His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Almarhum Tuanku Ismail Nasiruddin Shah Ibni Almarhum Sultan Zainal Abidin, Yang di-Pertuan Agong IV. The Rukun Negara was introduced following the events of 13 May 1969 which weakened racial unity in Malaysia. The Rukun Negara was formed with the main objective of forming a strong unity. The principles contained in the Rukun Negara are clearly the key to racial harmony and unity for the success and stability of Malaysia. The Rukun Negara is divided into two parts:

Part One

Outlines the objectives of the Malaysian society that it wants to form:

• Achieving closer unity among the entire community
• Preserving a democratic way of life
• Creating a just society where the country's prosperity can be enjoyed together fairly and equitably
• Forming a liberal attitude towards the rich and diverse cultural traditions, and;
• Building a progressive society that will use modern science and technology.

Part Two

Outlines the following Five Principles of the Rukun Negara:

• Belief in God
• Loyalty to King and Country
• Supremacy of the Constitution
• Rule of Law
• Courtesy and Morality

Reference: Jabatan Penerangan Malaysia