PUTRAJAYA – Under the Malaysia Madani umbrella, the unity government remains committed to defending the rights of every citizen within this blessed nation, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in his National Day address today.
The Prime Minister emphasised the importance of prioritising efforts that uphold the spirit of unity and cohesion among the population, urging against any actions that could potentially erode these values.
“It’s crucial to recognise the significance of this matter; history has witnessed illustrious nations and great civilisations crumble, not solely due to issues of governance and corruption, but also due to the dangerous manipulation of racism and excessive nationalism.
“While some advanced nations have harnessed differences as a source of strength, there exist differences that can corrode the very fabric of society and weaken the foundations of a nation,” Anwar, who is Pakatan Harapan chairman, said.
“Our aspiration is to cultivate a society founded upon principles of civility, one that elevates the esteem of every citizen. This endeavour hinges on our ability to learn from past mistakes, shun the repetition of unfortunate history, and steer clear of the pitfalls that lie in divisive discourse.
“True freedom, as we advocate for it, is not a licence to engage in conflict or to demean and degrade, but rather a freedom that empowers us to uplift the dignity of humanity.”
The prime minister delivered these remarks during the 2023 National Day Address ceremony, which drew over 6,000 attendees to the Plenary Hall of the Putrajaya International Convention Centre earlier today.
The Prime Minister noted that the country’s main challenge is not merely about race, or the distinctions of culture, and religion.
“Allah created us to understand and respect one another. We need to acknowledge the undeniable foundations of our nation, the Malay language, Islam as the religion of the federation, the special privileges of Bumiputera, and the sovereignty of the Malay nation.
“Our nation was strong in the past, it remains strong now, and with God’s grace, we will continue to stand strong by honouring the social contract, uniting all races.
“We assure every citizen’s right to practice their religion, celebrate their culture, and uphold their heritage,” he said.
Anwar also stressed the importance of nurturing an independent spirit, which embodies true freedom and channels the nation’s collective efforts towards restoring people’s rights.
“Elevating our nation’s honour is achievable. I’m confident that with this spirit thriving among our people, Malaysia can emerge as a courageous and esteemed nation in Southeast Asia.
“The key is the spirit handed down by our forefathers – unity and embracing our shared identity with the Malay and Bumiputera communities, as well as the participation of the Chinese, Indian, indigenous, Melanau, Dayak, Dusun, Kadazan, and others who are all part of our extended family.
“We must uphold the belief that this nation belongs to all Malaysians.
“Why do we foster this unity? To safeguard our future through consistent policies and actions that are essential to maintain,” he said. – August 30, 2023.