The struggle for independence could only be attained through the unification of all the ethnics groups in Malaya.

It is a reflection of a tradition of tolerance that has formed the basis of Malaya progress over the years. Guiding the people of a young and developing nation in endeavouring to bring about the national unity are the principles of Rukun Negara or National Philosophy. The five guiding principles acceptable to all races are:

Belief in God.

Loyalty to the King and Country

Supremacy of the Constitution

Rule of the Law

Mutual Respect and Good Social Behaviour.

Vision 2020 gave Malaysians a “mental picture” to look ahead and become a fully developed nation “in their own mould” by the year 2020. Not only must Malaysian be developed economically, politically, socially, spiritually, culturally but also fully developed in terms of national unity.

Guided by the visionary plan of the government, Malaysians understand the great leaps they have to make in a globalised world. Young, dynamic and resilient, the people of Malaysia seek out the future with the knowledge that mutual respect for each other’s culture, traditions, religious beliefs and way of life will politically create peaceful, social environment for the nation of 24 million multi-ethnic people but also result in political stability and a strong economy for the nation. Through unity in diversity, Malaysian look set to strive ahead confidently in the country’s fast paced development in trade and commerce, banking and finance, manufacturing, transportation, information technology and tourism.

The thrust of poverty eradication strategy is to reduce the incidence of poverty to 0.5 per cent by year 2005. Poverty eradication programmes will be more target specific by addressing pockets of poverty, particularly in rural and urban areas. In addition, the respective programmes will also address the issue of poverty among the minority groups in the nation.

The strong economic growth that was anticipated during the 8th Malaysian Plan (2001-2005) is expected to generate more opportunities for the poor to increase their income and move out of poverty. The Malaysian Government will intensify efforts to ensure that the poor and low income groups also benefit from various measures implemented in education, health, services, housing and the provision of quality amenities.

Malaysia’s success in building a modernized, peaceful, stable and prosperous society, guided by the social and moral values. As the country moves from agriculture to industrialization and K-economy it has successfully shown that religion and modernity can prosper side by side.