PUTRAJAYA — The spirit of independence must continue to be nurtured in the hearts and minds of every Malaysian, with all communities united to build the nation, defend their rights and uphold justice, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said independence was not merely about systems or the nation itself, but, more importantly, about ensuring every Malaysian possessed a truly independent spirit.
“This is the greatest obstacle and challenge. That is why, to rebuild from the ruins, we must instil the spirit of independence in our hearts and minds. Therefore, we must unite.
“Who must unite? Our forefathers said it was not about uniting by race, district or region, but every single generation. This means every citizen — Malays and Bumiputera as the core, all communities must continue to unite and play their part in defending rights and upholding justice,” he said when delivering his National Day address at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC) here today.
Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.
The Prime Minister said the spirit of independence must be translated into efforts to build a Malaysia Madani, drawing inspiration from the courage of past freedom fighters including Hang Tuah, Tok Janggut, Mat Kilau, Rosli Dhobi, Rentap, Mat Salleh and Antanom.
“Our nation’s forefathers faced adversity with courage and called on the people to unite, reach consensus, uphold their trust and the promises of the Proclamation of Independence, and rebuild after the fall of Melaka,” he said.
Anwar said Malaysia should be grateful that despite various problems, challenges and ups and downs, the country has remained one of the more peaceful nations, united by a shared sense of humanity across differences in race, religion and background.
He said Malaysia had also demonstrated to the world that the strength of unity could ensure the nation’s survival, particularly after independence in 1957, when some questioned whether Malaya could endure and bring together the strength of all communities.
“At the time of Merdeka in 1957, if we examine foreign media coverage, they did not believe Malaya could survive and harness the strength of all communities, given how many countries in Asia, Africa and the Americas had fallen apart.
