{
  "id": 6909144,
  "title": "Development must not come at expense of values, says Melaka Umno delegate",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/12/development-must-not-come-at-expense-of-values-says-melaka-umno",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-12T09:28:19.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/09/1531261/development-must-not-come-expense-values-says-melaka-umno-delegate"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A Melaka Umno delegate has emphasized that development efforts by the party should not compromise the instilling of patriotic and moral values among Malaysia's young population. Datuk Dr Mustafa Musa, the deputy chief of the Alor Gajah Umno division, argued that nurturing these values must start at an early age, with the principles of the Rukun Negara forming a foundation.\n\nMusa highlighted the importance of preserving customs and good manners, warning against sacrificing the Rukun Negara principles during development pursuits. He spoke about the need for stronger moral and religious values among Malay youths, citing concerns over issues like drug addiction, illegal motorcycle racing, and promiscuity.\n\nIn Melaka, the delegate noted a pragmatic approach to reinforcing these values, requiring the singing of the national anthem Negaraku and the state anthem Melaka Maju Jaya, as well as the recitation of the Rukun Negara pledge, at all government premises and agencies every Monday at 10am. He stressed that starting young is crucial for shaping good habits.\n\nMusa also called on Melaka voters to continue trusting the Umno-led state government, comparing it to a \"shady tree\" that provides shelter. He cautioned against cutting down or pruning the tree, as this could lead to losing the benefits gained while missing out on better opportunities. He referenced the state's \"Wakil Rakyat Untuk Rakyat\" program as proof of the administration's dedication.\n\nThe delegate concluded by addressing the prospect of a state election, noting that Melaka is nearing this point after Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh hinted that the state assembly could be dissolved by the end of the month.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: Umno must prioritise instilling patriotic and moral values among young Malaysians alongside its pursuit of development, a Melaka delegate said.",
  "key_points": [
    "Development should not compromise patriotic and moral values, says Melaka Umno delegate",
    "Nurturing Rukun Negara principles must start at early age, says Datuk Dr Mustafa Musa",
    "Singing national anthem and reciting Rukun Negara on Mondays enforced in Melaka"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}