Kuala lumpur: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has emphasized the critical need to decisively curb any attempts to sow division among Malaysians on racial, regional, or religious grounds, warning that such actions pose a threat to the nation's future.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar highlighted that unity has been the cornerstone of Malaysia's strength since the fight for independence, and maintaining this spirit is essential for ensuring long-term stability and prosperity. He underscored that no nation can achieve independence without the spirit of cooperation, unity, and identity, reminding Malaysians that their independence was achieved at a significant cost, involving sacrifices of lives, property, and efforts from every race.
Delivering the National Day 2025 Address at Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS), Anwar was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, and Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari. The Prime Minister stressed that Malaysia's existence is paramount and cannot be overshadowed by actions driven by race, ethnicity, or region, as no country can endure if it falls prey to incitement and hatred among its populace.
He urged all parties to recognize that every community contributes to Malaysia's strength, forming a united nation. Anwar also cautioned Malaysians to be considerate of the feelings and sentiments of all groups, pointing out historical instances where nations have collapsed due to leaders' obsessions with racial and language issues.
Furthermore, Anwar called on the younger generation to remember the sacrifices made by the nation's freedom fighters, whose efforts paved the way for independence. He recounted the long struggle, from figures like Mat Kilau and Dato' Maharaja Lela to the security forces, against colonial rule and communist threats. Although the number of fallen fighters in Malaysia was not as high as in countries like Indonesia, Vietnam, or Algeria, Anwar emphasized the significant sacrifices made, urging young Malaysians to reflect and learn from this history, as it is the foundation of the independence they enjoy today.