NATIONAL UNITY INDEX REACHES 0.7, MEETING 12MP TARGET - AARON

BUTTERWORTH, Nov 27 (Bernama) -- The level of national unity has continued to improve, as the National Unity Index (IPNas) achieved the target of 0.7 this year, reflecting better relations among communities of various races, religions and cultures.

National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said the achievement showed an increase compared with findings from previous studies which were around 0.5 to 0.6.

“In the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) we set a target to achieve at least a 0.7 IPNas score and based on the study conducted on a scale of 0 to 1 we are now at 0.7, successfully meeting the target.

bootstrap slideshow

“However, the full report of the study will only be announced early next year,” he told reporters after attending The Great Pilgrimage of Hope 2025 programme here today.

IPNas is the only index used by the government to measure the level of unity, aimed at assessing the current state of unity and harmony among Malaysians.

The first IPNas study was conducted in 2018 which recorded 0.567, while the index rose to 0.629 in 2022.

Commenting further, Aaron said the positive development was the result of the ministry’s continuous efforts through various initiatives and programmes to strengthen unity among the diverse communities in the country.

“These initiatives include awareness campaigns, dialogues and the provision of various platforms for interaction so that the people can engage with one another, making them aware of and understand the importance of unity,” he said.

He stressed that the ministry would remain committed to implementing the unity agenda and ensuring that society lived harmoniously in diversity.

The four-day conference, beginning today until Nov 30, organised by the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC), brought together 777 delegates from 24 Asian countries, as well as from the Holy See, Australia and Europe.

-- BERNAMA