MADANI: A CONTINUITY IN NATION-BUILDING, NOT A POLITICAL SLOGAN

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 20 (Bernama) -- The MADANI concept being promoted by the current government should not be perceived as a political slogan but as a continuation of efforts to build the nation, according to two experts.

Datuk Ismail Yusop, Akademi Kenegaraan Malaysia deputy director-general (Training) in the Prime Minister's Office, said MADANI signifies civilisation as it promotes progress and national advancement to elevate society in various aspects, including intellectual development.

Therefore, if some view MADANI as merely a political "weapon" to gain public support, it is absolutely wrong, he said.

"During its launch, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasised that MADANI is not something new in terms of civilisation but a continuation of the nation-building process.

"That is why it is crucial to have a clear and accurate perception, as MADANI should not be seen as just a slogan from the 10th Prime Minister or the Unity-MADANI Government he leads. Instead, it encapsulates a nationhood perspective," he added.

He said this as a guest on the “Ruang Bicara” programme discussing the topic “MADANI: Between Politics and Civilisation”, aired on Bernama TV yesterday.

Echoing this view, Dr Noor Nirwandy Mat Noordin, a Fellow of Psychological Operations at the Media and Information Psywar Studies Centre, Universiti Teknologi MARA, said it is unfair to label MADANI as rhetoric when its vision and pillars align with civilisational elements such as the government's achievements in economic development frameworks.

He said with Malaysia set to chair ASEAN next year, the MADANI concept is essential to introducing a new form of civilisation, strengthening public diplomacy and addressing issues like health security, environmental challenges and cyber security, especially in the context of the latest technologies like artificial intelligence.

“We (Malaysia) may not be the best, but believe me, this is a phase for us to prove that ASEAN can rival Western and European powers. Malaysia’s involvement in BRICS will also open new avenues for the government to lead the nation’s economy more effectively,” he said.

-- BERNAMA