10,000 Participants Expected at Musyawarah Nasional 3.0 in Melaka This Saturday

AYER KEROH, Sept 23 — Melaka is set to host Musyawarah Nasional 3.0 at the Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC) in Ayer Keroh this Saturday, Sept 26, with an estimated 10,000 participants expected to attend.

Melaka State Senior Executive Councillor for Housing, Local Government, Drainage, Climate Change and Disaster Management Datuk Rais Yasin stated that the national dialogue, themed Membongkar Polemik Tanah Melayu (Unravelling the Polemics of Malaya), will commence at 8:30 AM.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh are expected to attend the event. Prominent panellists include constitutional and public law expert Assoc Prof Datuk Dr Shamrahayu A. Aziz and language and national unity expert Emeritus Prof Datuk Dr Teo Kok Seong, alongside non-Malay scholars.

Speaking to reporters after an appearance on MELAKAfm’s “Kokenut Shake Dulu” programme, Rais highlighted Melaka’s historical significance as the rationale for selecting the state as host.

“Melaka was chosen to host Musyawarah Nasional 3.0 because of its strong historical significance. The state was an important centre for the development of politics, trade, language, culture and Malay civilisation in the Malay world,” Rais said.

He added that Padang Banda Hilir in Melaka was the historic location where Tunku Abdul Rahman declared the independence of the Federation of Malaya on Feb 20, 1956, making it an ideal setting for national historical discussions.

Rais emphasized that the dialogue is designed to explore the history of Malaya, identity, language, culture, the Federal Constitution, and nation-building without threatening or challenging the position of any ethnic community.

“We have a Constitution that serves as a pillar of harmony in our multiracial society. This national dialogue is intended to foster a culture of consultation by providing space for diverse views, including those of Malay and non-Malay scholars,” Rais stated. “This forum is not about determining who wins or loses an argument. It is a platform to listen, understand and find common ground based on knowledge and facts.”

The findings and resolutions from the convention will be documented to assist the public and younger generations in understanding authoritative historical facts. Rais noted that proposals arising from the event could be developed into academic research, publications, educational frameworks, and youth initiatives.

–NMT