Ipoh: In a world increasingly shaped by technology and social media, mutual understanding, tolerance, and cooperation are vital to preserving the nation's harmony and continued progress. The spirit of 'Bersekutu Bertambah Mutu' (Unity is Strength) should continue to be embraced as a foundation for building a society that respects differences and strengthens mutual understanding in the interest of national harmony.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, after more than six decades of independence, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Sociocultural and Heritage Studies senior lecturer Dr. Mohd Yuszaidy Yusoff stated that the motto remains relevant and should serve as a guiding principle for all Malaysians in navigating today's challenges. He emphasized that "The motto Bersekutu Bertambah Mutu carries a broad meaning, reflecting a spirit of togetherness in all aspects, including unity, prosperity, and economic opportunities that can be enjoyed by all Malaysians. If every Malaysian embraces this principle, it will help foster a more tolerant and patriotic society while strengthening the bonds between one another."

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim also called for a renewed appreciation of Bersekutu Bertambah Mutu when he launched the National Month and Fly the Jalur Gemilang campaign 2026 in Ipoh on July 19. In his speech, the Prime Minister urged Malaysians to embrace once again the independence motto, which he said remains relevant as a foundation for building a united nation, in line with the theme of the 2026 National Day and Malaysia Day (HKHM) celebrations, 'Malaysia MADANI: Kesejahteraan Dinikmati'. The theme reflects the government's vision of building a progressive and harmonious nation where well-being is shared by all Malaysians, regardless of background.

Elaborating further, Mohd Yuszaidy said embracing the motto must begin with an understanding of culture, customs, and beliefs, given Malaysia's diverse ethnic composition. "Indeed, this appreciation of culture and values can be put into practice through activities such as gotong-royong (mutual help), which provide opportunities for everyone to participate, engage with the local community, and exchange ideas," he said. He added that the spirit of togetherness should also be nurtured across generations by creating opportunities for younger and older people to share their views and experiences in addressing social issues, thereby narrowing gaps arising from differences in experience and perspectives.

With technology continuing to evolve, Mohd Yuszaidy noted that social media could be harnessed to broaden understanding of Malaysia's diverse society and convey messages of unity in ways that resonate more closely with younger generations, including through creative content such as animation and interactive activities. However, he cautioned that the speed at which information spreads on social media requires users to be more discerning by filtering and assessing content before accepting or sharing it, particularly when it touches on cultural sensitivities and relations between communities.

Echoing the view, national language and literary figure Senator Datuk Seri Prof Dr. Awang Sariyan emphasized that leaders and Malaysians alike must embrace the principle of Bersekutu Bertambah Mutu, as unity is the cornerstone of national stability across all sectors. "Without unity, economic development cannot proceed smoothly. Human capital, which is the driving force behind national development, cannot be effectively mobilized. The national education system cannot serve as a unifying force for the younger generation. National security and public order would also be affected," he said. He also remarked that the diversity of ethnic backgrounds, cultures, religions, and languages in the country must be reflected in mutual understanding, tolerance, and respect for differences. He added that the foundations and mechanisms for this had already been established through the Federal Constitution, various laws such as the Education Act and National Language Act, as well as the National Cultural Policy, National Unit y Policy, and Rukun Negara.