KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 16 (Bernama) -- Patriotic spirit among Malaysians continues to be fostered through various programmes held in conjunction with the 2026 state-level Malaysia Day celebrations, which took place nationwide today.
Held under the theme ‘Malaysia MADANI: Shared Prosperity’, this year’s national-level Malaysia Day celebration saw Sarawak once again chosen as host after last hosting the event in 2023.
In SABAH, the state-level celebration at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) drew thousands, with the waving of the Jalur Gemilang adding colour to the gathering attended by Sabah Governor Tun Musa Aman and his wife Toh Puan Faridah Tussin.
Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, in a speech delivered by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, said Sabah’s rights and interests under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) would continue to be pursued and realised through close cooperation with the Federal Government.
He said Malaysia Day provided an opportunity for the people to appreciate Sabah’s position within the Federation of Malaysia, particularly with regard to MA63 and the Federal Constitution, which formed an important basis for shaping the relationship between Sabah and the Federation.
He said the state government would remain consistent in safeguarding Sabah’s interests and rights through constitutional channels, negotiations and intergovernmental cooperation.
“We believe that a strong federal relationship stems from mutual respect, fairness and a willingness to fulfil the responsibilities that have been agreed upon. Championing Sabah’s rights does not mean distancing Sabah from Malaysia.
“Instead, it is part of efforts to strengthen the foundation of the Federation so that every partner feels respected, every responsibility is fulfilled, and every citizen benefits from a stable and prosperous Malaysia,” he said.
Meanwhile, in PENANG, more than 1,000 people took part in the celebration held at Dewan Millenium in Kepala Batas, which was attended by Penang Governor Tun Ramli Ngah Talib and his wife Toh Puan Raja Noora Ashikin Raja Abdullah.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, in his speech at the event, said the spirit of togetherness that formed the basis for the establishment of Malaysia on Sept 16, 1963 remained relevant 63 years later, particularly in ensuring that diversity continued to be the country’s strength.
“We can have different views, but we do not have to be enemies. We may have different positions, but we can still sit at the same table because, ultimately, we share the same homeland and the same future.
“Malaysia Day is not merely about commemorating the formation of the country, but also serves as a reminder of everyone’s responsibility to continue preserving and building the Malaysia that we have inherited together,” he said.
Meanwhile, in PERLIS, the celebration took on a different approach with the inaugural Jelajah Samudera programme held at Pulau Batu Layang, Kuala Perlis, involving the fishing community and various maritime enforcement agencies.
Perlis Menteri Besar Abu Bakar Hamzah said the programme, which brought together about 80 boats and nearly 700 participants, aimed to strengthen ties among the local community while highlighting the potential of Pulau Batu Layang’s coastline as a new tourism destination.
“The state government will strive to increase the participation of village communities in next year’s Malaysia Day celebrations so that the programme can be held on a grander scale,” he said.
In PAHANG, the state-level Malaysia Day celebration was held at Dataran Temerloh, Temerloh, drawing about 7,000 visitors.
Among the highlights of the celebration were a brisk walk themed ‘Walk With Me’, cultural performances by various ethnic groups, and performances by artistes including Santesh, Nadeera and Mus May.
Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail, in his speech, called on the people to appreciate the true meaning of Malaysia Day.
“Malaysia Day reminds us that this country was built on the spirit of living together, respecting one another and embracing diversity. We may differ in race, religion, culture and background, but we share one country and one future,” he said.
He said peace, stability and unity among the people must therefore be prioritised, adding that safeguarding them is the responsibility of all parties.
-- BERNAMA