KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 16 (Bernama) -- In conjunction with Malaysia Day today, Cabinet ministers have urged Malaysians to uphold unity, mutual respect and appreciation of diversity as the foundations of national strength, while ensuring that progress and prosperity are enjoyed by all.
Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said Malaysia Day reminds Malaysians that the country was built on mutual understanding, unity and a shared determination to move forward as one.
“Malaysia’s formation is not the story of a single state, territory or group. It is our shared story, from the peninsula to Sabah and Sarawak.
“In the spirit of Segulai Sejalai, let us continue to honour our history, safeguard unity and ensure that all Malaysians benefit from the country’s progress and prosperity,” he said in a Facebook post.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the peace and harmony Malaysia enjoys today stemmed from the sacrifices of previous generations and the sustained efforts of all Malaysians.
He said Malaysia’s differences in race, religion, culture and background are not obstacles, but a source of strength and part of the country’s identity.
“Our responsibility today is to preserve what has been built, respect one another and strengthen unity among Malaysians,” he said, expressing hope that Malaysia will continue to move forward as a peaceful, prosperous and harmonious country for all.
Meanwhile, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said being Malaysian is not merely an identity, but a shared responsibility to safeguard peace, preserve harmony and defend the country’s sovereignty.
“A strong Malaysia is not built by itself. It is built by people who stand united, trust one another and remain committed to the country. May the unity we have forged continue to be a source of strength for Malaysia,” he said.
Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan also urged Malaysians to strengthen solidarity, foster mutual respect and work together to build a more progressive, inclusive and prosperous Malaysia MADANI for all.
He said Malaysians may come from different ethnic, religious, cultural and social backgrounds, but they share a common homeland, a common hope and a common future.
“Happy Malaysia Day to all Malaysians. Malaysia belongs to all of us. Let us stand united and strong as one nation,” he said.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said Malaysia Day is more than a commemoration of the union of the peninsula, Sabah and Sarawak, as it also reaffirms the commitment to building a healthy, prosperous and inclusive nation.
He said the health of Malaysians is fundamental to the country’s prosperity, adding that everyone, regardless of background, has the right to fair, equitable and quality healthcare.
“In the spirit of Segulai Sejalai, let us continue to uphold unity, care for our own wellbeing and that of our communities, and safeguard the health of the nation,” he said.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said unity must be reflected in justice, mutual respect and equitable development for all Malaysians in the peninsula, Sabah and Sarawak.
He said the government’s responsibility and politics should translate into better public wellbeing, including ensuring food security, protecting the welfare of farmers, rice farmers, fishermen and livestock breeders, and promoting politics focused on solutions and the common good rather than hatred and division.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri expressed hope that ties between Sabah, Sarawak and the peninsula will continue to grow stronger through mutual respect, understanding and cooperation.
Nancy said the benefits of development should be shared, giving everyone, whether living in urban, rural or remote areas, an opportunity to build a better life and future.
Meanwhile, Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said Malaysia’s diverse cultures, languages, customs and heritage, from the peninsula to Sabah and Sarawak, are not a source of division but part of the country’s rich identity.
“As we celebrate Malaysia Day under the theme 'Malaysia MADANI: Kesejahteraan Dinikmati', I urge all Malaysians to uphold harmony, strengthen unity and cherish the unique heritage we share.
“This is the Malaysia we want to showcase to the world during Visit Malaysia 2026-2027, a country that offers not only beautiful destinations but also a rich culture, warm hospitality and a strong sense of togetherness,” he said.
Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi called for the spirit of Malaysia Day to continue to bring Malaysians together as they build a more peaceful, progressive and prosperous future.
“From Sabah and Sarawak to the peninsula and every corner of the country, we are brought together by a spirit of goodwill, unity and love for our homeland. Despite our diverse cultures, ethnicities and backgrounds, we continue to stand together as one Malaysian family,” he said.
Others who extended Malaysia Day greetings included Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, and Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo.
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Chang Lih Kang, Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad, and Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup also extended their Malaysia Day greetings.
-- BERNAMA