KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 16 (Bernama) -- The people of the country are urged to continue upholding unity as the foundation of strength and a more prosperous and resilient future for the nation.
The call was made by Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof in separate posts on their respective Facebook accounts in conjunction with the Malaysia Day celebrations today.
Ahmad Zahid said Malaysia Day serves as a reminder that the country's strength lies in the unity of its people, who comprise various races, religions, cultures and backgrounds.
"Differences are not an obstacle, but instead are a strength that shapes Malaysia's identity.
"Malaysia's journey since 1963 continues to teach us that progress and prosperity can only be built when we move forward together, respect one another and preserve the harmony that we have inherited," he said, while wishing everyone a Happy Malaysia Day 2026.
Meanwhile, Fadillah said unity was not merely an inherited value, but the foundation that determines the country's strength and future in facing an increasingly challenging and uncertain world.
"We may have different views and choices. We may criticise and disagree, but differences should not lead us to hate one another and forget that we are all Malaysians," he said.
He said the spirit behind the formation of Malaysia also required the commitment to ensure that the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) continued to be respected and implemented, with Sabah and Sarawak having an important place in Malaysia's history and future.
He said efforts to strengthen federalism through cooperation between the Federal Government, Sabah and Sarawak reflected that Malaysia would be stronger when every region was given room to develop, every state was heard and the benefits of development were enjoyed more fairly.
-- BERNAMA