The programme, organised by the national unity ministry, targets youths aged 18 to 30 and will run from May to October.

Structured to be conducted over two days and one night at each institution, the programme revolves around four main themes: “Why and What For”, “Upholding the Rukun Negara”, “Celebrating Diversity”, and “Values and Identity Building”.

The themes focus on the history and importance of the Rukun Negara; its application in daily life; appreciation of racial, religious, cultural, and regional diversity; as well as the development of integrity, patriotism, and responsibility.

National unity minister Aaron Ago Dagang said the tour aims to bring national principles closer to the youth through a more interactive and modern approach suited to their current realities.

He said the initiative aims to ensure that the Rukun Negara is not merely a pledge to be recited, but a set of values to be understood, appreciated, and practised in everyday life.

“The Rukun Negara is a philosophy of life that must be practised by all Malaysians, especially the younger generation,” he said.

“Young people must see the Rukun Negara not just as the nation’s legacy, but as a guide to building a united, tolerant, and identity-driven society.”

Aaron said an experience-based approach is important to ensure that the values of the Rukun Negara are better understood, especially among youths who live in a fast-paced, open information ecosystem influenced by social media.

He added that the challenges of globalisation and the rapid spread of information require more structured efforts to strengthen unity, national identity, and self-identity among the youth.

“In a world influenced by social media and borderless information, the Rukun Negara must act as an anchor for youth so they are not easily influenced by narrow narratives that can divide society,” he said.

Aaron said the Rukun Negara should serve as the foundation of national unity to ensure that society, especially the youth, does not lose direction amid rapid change, while also acting as a safeguard against social polarisation and identity crises.

He said efforts to revive an appreciation of the Rukun Negara also include an emphasis on the full recitation of its preamble, “Cita-cita”.

He said the preamble is important as it contains the broader philosophy of nation-building, including aspirations for a united, just, progressive, and democratic society.

The Rukun Negara pledge was also formally recited in Parliament for the first time in more than five decades, underscoring its role not merely as rhetoric, but as a national moral compass.

In addition to the Rukun Negara Youth Tour, the ministry is implementing several other initiatives such as Citra Negaraku, Rukun Negara modules in community kindergartens, as well as speeches and debates on the Rukun Negara.

Aaron said the tour is not just an awareness programme but a strategic effort to ensure that the Rukun Negara remains alive, understood, and practised in the hearts of future generations.

“The Rukun Negara must continue to serve as a shared guide in building a more united, stable and resilient nation,” he said.