Petronas' Merdeka film spotlights the true meaning of the Rukun Negara

In celebration of National Day and Malaysia Day 2025, Petronas has released its latest festive film, With all our hearts, a story that revisits the enduring significance of the Rukun Negara (National Principles) as a unifying pledge for all Malaysians.

Directed by Ismail Kamarul, who has helmed multiple Petronas festive productions, the film takes viewers into the everyday warmth of a Malaysian classroom. It blends sincerity with subtle humour, illustrating how the five principles of the Rukun Negara, unity, loyalty, justice, and morality, remain central to Malaysia’s shared identity.

Don't miss: Boost champions financial freedom in '68 Merdeka kewangan' campaign

The story follows Cikgu Murni, a new teacher who realises her students have been reciting the Rukun Negara during assemblies out of routine, without truly understanding its meaning. Determined to change this, she strides into class with energy, playfully quizzing the students on how many times they’ve recited the pledge and why they lack “tenaga” (energy) when saying it.

She then delivers a heartfelt monologue, explaining that the pledge is more than words, it is a promise that unites Malaysians. Inspired, the boys recite the Rukun Negara with newfound gusto, their voices echoing through the school, even prompting the security guard to join in from his post.

Continuing Petronas’ tradition of storytelling for festive occasions, the film aligns with this year’s theme, "Malaysia MADANI: Rakyat Disantuni" (A MADANI Malaysia, where people are respected) It aims to inspire Malaysians to see the pledge not just as words but as values to live by with sincerity and collective pride.

“The Rukun Negara is more than a pledge we recite. It is an enduring promise that calls us to honour our shared values in every action we take,” said Norafizal Mat Saad, vice president of group strategic relations and communications at Petronas. “This is what inspired us to produce this film for every Malaysian to embrace. May these values, when truly lived, keep us united as one nation, with all our hearts.”

Several other brands have also released Merdeka-themed films this month. Astro Malaysia marked the celebrations with "Inilah KITA", a campaign that shines a light on the everyday connections that bind Malaysians together.

Rooted in true stories, the initiative explores moments of unity that exist in daily life, even in a climate where public discourse often focuses on differences. The campaign is built around three short documentaries that uncover diverse tales from across the country. These stories are not about tolerance, but about the trust, friendships, and shared experiences that quietly shape the nation’s social fabric.

Meanwhile, FedEx Malaysia released a heartwarming Merdeka Day video titled “Different strangers. One conversation. Endless Malaysian pride”, capturing the rich linguistic diversity that unites the nation. The seven-minute-long video opens with strangers meeting one another, speaking in each other’s mother tongues, and sharing candid conversations about their favourite things about Malaysia, from local foods to cherished cultural traditions.

Accelerate your brand’s growth with AI-first strategies, emerging tech and data-driven experiences. Join the industry's leading marketers at Digital Marketing Asia 2025 Malaysia on 30 October to uncover transformative trends, real-world wins and powerful ideas for 2025 and beyond.

Related articles:
From kopitiams to murals, Astro's docuseries captures what unites Malaysians
FedEx Malaysia unites the nation through language this Merdeka Day
Spritzer Sparkling puts a fizzy twist on iconic local drinks for Merdeka