– extracted and adapted from RAKAN Sarawak October-December 2021 –
The Malaysian Family or Keluarga Malaysia was officially launched at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) by on 23rd October 2021.
The Malaysian Family concept led by the Malaysia Prime Minister YAB Dato’ Sri Ismail Sabri bin Yaakob outlines three characteristics and 20 values.
The three characteristics are inclusivity, common ground and contentment.
Under the Malaysian Family concept, various programs and initiatives have been and will be implemented.
This includes Rumah Ikram Keluarga Malaysia, Skuad Keluarga Malaysia, Pakej Peranti Keluarga Malaysia, Pakej Penjagaan COVID-19 Keluarga Malaysia, Keluarga Malaysia Siaga Bencana, Yayasan Kebajikan Siswa Keluarga Malaysia and Residensi Rumah Keluarga Malaysia.
“This is the Malaysian Family program and initiative, where each ministry will introduce at least one program and initiative aimed at helping reducing the economic impact borne by the people,” said Datuk Seri Ismail in his speech.
“I hope that it will also be supported by the state government,” he added.
In monitoring the implementation of the Malaysian Family concept, the Key Happiness Outcome (KHO) has been introduced to complement the Performance Indicators Key (KPI).
Dato’ Sri Ismail noted that both KHO and KPI reflects the commitment and seriousness of the government to bring the country out of exhaustion pandemic.
“In fact, it will improve the country’s position in the World Happiness Index Chart Report where we are now ranked 81st in the year 2021,” he said.
Dato’ Sri Ismail said the government would closely monitor the implementation of programmes and initiatives, especially in Sabah and Sarawak, to ensure the whole nation developed together as a family.
“In line with this, the less developed states will continue to be given priority. Sarawak is one of six states, along with Sabah, Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah and Perlis, which will be given special attention to narrow the economic gap,” he said.
Also present during the launching of Malaysian Family was the Sarawak Chief Minister YAB Datuk Patinggi (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg.
“For us in Sarawak, the spirit of Family as organized by the Most Honourable Prime Minister is like a second nature in our society which has more than 30 ethnic groups that have become a solid foundation for harmony and stability in the state,” he said.
“With a population of almost three (3) million and an area of 124 thousand square kilometres, Sarawak is a large “home” that brings together family members from various backgrounds of race, ethnicity, religion, culture and customs,” he added.
As one large Malaysian Family, there will undoubtedly be differences of opinion and views in various aspects of the development of the country.
In implementing the Malaysian Family approach, Datuk Patinggi (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari said that he hopes it can note on the differences and development plan policies that are aligned with to the situation in Sarawak and Sabah so that these territories can be in par with the Peninsular.
During the event, the Prime Minister also introduced the Malaysian Family Foundation to support Malaysian children orphaned by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Giving an example, he lamented that 19-year-old Nazurah Nabilah Benjayeed had to look after her seven younger siblings and 11-year-old Hadrami Hasil was left to care for his four siblings after their parents succumbed to the virus.
“They are among 5,173 Malaysian children orphaned due to the pandemic, losing not only their parents, but the happy moments of growing up as normal children,” he said.
The foundation would provide assistance to the orphaned children, particularly in their education up to the age of 18.
“I hope that through the foundation, no Malaysian child will have to suffer alone. Therefore, I have high hopes that the entire Malaysian family will stays together by putting aside their differences as one big Malaysian family,” he ended.
