By Asia Samachar | Malaysia |
Dr Charanjit Kaur, an academic at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), has made history as the first Sikh to be appointed to the Majlis Penasihat Perpaduan Negara (MPPN), or the National Unity Advisory Council.
The senior lecturer, who also writes regularly for Asia Samachar, will serve for the 2025–2027 term on the council chaired by Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister Fadhillah Yusof.
She is among 12 individuals selected by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim from a shortlist of 28 candidates for the national advisory body.
The appointment is a recognition of her academic and community work, particularly the two decades of engagement as an interfaith speaker, researcher and writer.
“I am honoured to be part of a council that seeks to strengthen unity and harmony across Malaysia’s diverse communities,” Dr Charanjit said.
The MPPN, established under the Ministry of National Unity, serves as the government’s key advisory platform on issues concerning national unity, reconciliation and strategies to strengthen Malaysia’s social cohesion.
The appointment aligns with the Ministry’s leadership of Tonggak D1: Pembentukan Negara Bangsa (Pillar D1: Nation-Building) under the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13), which prioritises building a sovereign, dignified and resilient nation capable of sustaining long-term peace and stability.
The council includes community leaders, NGO representatives, academics, cultural practitioners, corporate figures and representatives from Sabah and Sarawak.
Dr. Charanjit said that she is encouraged to see minority voices represented at the decision-making level, noting that inclusive participation is essential to building a Malaysia that reflects the aspirations of all communities.
Through her role on the MPPN, she hopes to contribute ideas and frameworks that ensure Malaysia’s unity remains sustainable and inclusive for future generations.
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