On 2 December, Assoc Prof Dr Charanjit Kaur, an academic from the Faculty of Creative Industries (FCI) at UTAR, was appointed as one of 12 new members of the Majlis Penasihat Perpaduan Negara (MPPN), also known as the National Unity Advisory Council, for the 2025–2027 term. She is the first Sikh appointed to the council and one of only 12 individuals carefully selected by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim from a shortlist of 28 candidates.
The MPPN, established under the Ministry of National Unity, advises the government on national unity, reconciliation and strategies to strengthen social cohesion. The appointment aligns with the Ministry’s leadership of Pillar D1: Nation-Building under the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13) 2026–2030, which prioritises building a strong, harmonious and resilient nation.
Dr Charanjit’s selection follows a rigorous six-month vetting process, including an interview with the Political Secretary to the Prime Minister. She described the appointment as the highest recognition of her work in academia, research and interfaith engagement.
“It is a privilege to contribute to a council that works to strengthen unity and harmony among Malaysia’s diverse communities,” Dr Charanjit said. Over the past two decades, she has actively promoted interfaith understanding through seminars, workshops and publications, bridging communities and fostering dialogue.
From left: YB Datuk Aaron, Dr Charanjit, YAB Datuk Amar Sri Haji Fadillah and YBhg Dato’ Haslina
The council comprises community leaders, NGO representatives, academics, cultural practitioners, corporate figures and representatives from Sabah and Sarawak. During the inaugural meeting, all members were given equal opportunity to contribute and Dr Charanjit appreciated that her perspectives were attentively received by Deputy Prime Minister YAB Datuk Amar Sri Haji Fadillah bin Haji Yusof and Minister of National Unity YB Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang. Dr Charanjit highlighted the need to prioritise constructive approaches over emotionally driven debates, with human dignity serving as a central principle to guide sustainable and constitutionally grounded national harmony.
Her appointment also reflects the growing inclusion of minority voices in decision-making processes. Through her role on the MPPN, she hopes to offer practical ideas and frameworks that support an inclusive, resilient and harmonious Malaysia, ensuring that the aspirations of all communities are recognised and valued.
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