KUCHING: Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has urged Malaysians, despite their racial, cultural, religious and regional differences to continue to work together in unity.
In his speech during the national-level Malaysia Day celebration at Stadium Perpaduan last night, he said stability is achieved only when there is unity.
“Stability gives us the opportunity to administer and implement policies and programmes for the development of the nation and the well-being of the people. Stability also enhances economic activities that will generate wealth we can share,” he said.
He said what makes Malaysia different from other countries is its people were already living together in peace and harmony when the country was formed in 1963.
“I hope all of us would not forget that this unity must be understood and appreciated by all Malaysians. Disagreements between us are normal, especially when we are no longer threatened. It should be cherished and appreciated and not a factor of disunity. These differences need to be discussed to find the best solution for all of us,” he said.
He said the people must not take unity lightly as it has been preserved by the past leaders who worked together to build a united Malaysia.
“The responsibility of preserving unity does not only lie with the federal, Sabah or Sarawak governments but requires all the people who call themselves citizens of this country,” he said.
“The narrative used to create disunity involves race, religion and ethnicity. We are easily caught up in these issues as they are close to the people’s hearts. But if we believe in ourselves and have self-confidence we will not be easily influenced.”
He said having been with the Malaysian family for more than five decades, he believes the majority of Malaysians reject the narrow and frivolous mindset and will continue to work together to preserve their unity.
Also present at the celebration were Dr Mahathir’s wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali, Head of State Tun Pehin Seri Abdul Taib Mahmud’s wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Puan Sri Ragad Waleed Alkurdi Taib, Chief Minister Abang Johari Tun Openg’s wife Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang; deputy chief ministers Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, Datuk Douglas Uggah Embas and Tan Sri James Jemut Masing; State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Speaker Datuk Amar Mohd Asfia Awang Nassar, Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, National Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng, former deputy chief minister Alfred Jabu Numpang, and state and federal ministers.
Earlier, the Royal Malaysian Navy personnel raised the Jalur Gemilang (Malaysian flag) as a highlight of the celebration.
Head of State Tun Pehin Seri Abdul Taib Mahmud then witnessed Dr Mahathir and both chief ministers of Sabah and Sarawak beat a unity drum to officially start the event.
Later, the guests and the crowd were entertained with stage performances and short video clip on the history of Malaya gaining independence in 1957 to when Malaysia was formed on Sept 16, 1963 and on to modern day Malaysia.
