KUALA LUMPUR: Embrace the true meaning of a free Malaysia, reject division and hostility, and preserve the country’s peace, harmony and prosperity – this was the message by the country’s leaders as the nation celebrated Malaysia Day.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof along with other members of the Cabinet extended Malaysia Day greetings to their fellow Malaysians yesterday.

In a Facebook post, Anwar called on Malaysians to embrace the true meaning of a free and independent Malaysia while rejecting division and hostility.

He urged all Malaysians to uphold unity to elevate the country’s potential and capabilities to the highest level.

He said the annual Malaysia Day celebration should be a manifestation of love for the nation and unity among the people, transcending race, religion and culture.“ Our beloved nation Malaysia is 61 years old and together, we have overcome various challenges during this period and emerged stronger. Happy 61st Malaysia Day,” said Anwar.

This year’s national-level Malaysia Day celebration was held at Padang Merdeka in Kota Kinabalu last night.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Rural and Regional Development Minister, urged all Malaysians to continue nurturing good relations between races, strengthening unity and instilling patriotism in the hearts of the younger generation. He said Malaysians must face challenges together to ensure the country remains peaceful, prosperous and respected globally, Bernama reported.

“Since 1963, we have built a nation based on values of tolerance, harmony and consensus. Diversity is our strength and the unity forged among Malaysians is the foundation of the progress we enjoy today.

“True independence is not only about freedom from colonial rule but also about the freedom to live together in harmony, mutual respect and unity. Happy Malaysia Day 2024,” he said in a Facebook post.

Ahmad Zahid added that the spirit of independence reflected the mindset of Malaysians who remain free in mind and heart to maintain unity and togetherness, regardless of differing views, skin colour or religious beliefs.

Fadillah, who is also the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister, called on the people to continue strengthening unity, solidarity and patriotism towards building a strong, united, prosperous and peaceful nation.

He said the formation of the unity government was a manifestation of the importance of unity in ending incessant political strife so that Malaysia could move forward, drive the economy and become more peaceful and prosperous.

“The theme of this year’s celebration, ‘Malaysia Madani: Jiwa Merdeka’, reflects the people’s freedom from any negative elements, interpreting patriotism through aspects of thought, social integration and economy, thereby forming a strong, harmonious and progressive nation.

“A society with an independent spirit also emphasises the importance of manners, ethics and integrity in all aspects of life. Happy Malaysia Day 2024,” he said. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, in a Facebook post, expressed his hope that Malaysians would continue building a stable, peaceful and harmonious nation that would shine on the world stage for current and future generations.

“Happy Malaysia Day,” he said, inviting the public to watch the national-level Malaysia Day celebration at Padang Merdeka in Kota Kinabalu last night.

Malaysia Day is celebrated on Sept 16 each year to commemorate the formation of Malaysia in 1963.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/09/17/reject-hate-embrace-harmony