Ministry of National Unity (Malaysia)
The Ministry of National Unity (Malay: Kementerian Perpaduan Negara) is a ministry of the Government of Malaysia responsible for fostering and strengthening national unity and social cohesion among the diverse ethnic and religious groups within the country. Its primary function is to formulate and implement policies and programs aimed at promoting mutual understanding, respect, and tolerance.
The Ministry's roles and responsibilities typically include:
- Policy Formulation: Developing and implementing national unity policies and strategies.
- Program Implementation: Organizing and managing programs that promote national unity, inter-ethnic harmony, and social integration. This often includes community-based initiatives, cultural exchange programs, and educational campaigns.
- Dialogue and Engagement: Facilitating dialogue and engagement between different ethnic, religious, and cultural groups to address issues and build consensus.
- Research and Analysis: Conducting research and analysis on national unity and social cohesion issues to inform policy development and program design.
- Monitoring and Evaluation: Monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of national unity programs and policies.
- Public Awareness: Raising public awareness about the importance of national unity and social cohesion through media campaigns and other outreach activities.
The Ministry of National Unity has undergone name changes and structural reforms throughout its history, reflecting the evolving priorities and challenges related to national unity in Malaysia. It often collaborates with other government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and community leaders to achieve its objectives. The Minister of National Unity is a cabinet-level position within the Malaysian government.