Independence Built On Unity Of All Races – PM
IPOH: The independence the country enjoys today would not have been achieved without the spirit of unity and collective sacrifice by the various races in Malaysia, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said although Malay nationalism and Bumiputera status are the core foundations of statehood, the role and participation of other races cannot be marginalised at all.
The Tambun Member of Parliament said the unity among Malays, Chinese, Indians, and Bumiputera communities in Sabah and Sarawak was the key to the country’s absolute independence, thus the people should reflect on the historical chapters of past struggles.
“To give meaning to independence and to succeed this country, the strength of the Malays must be present. The strength of the Malays together with the Chinese, Indians, Dayaks, Kadazans must also be present.
“Do not allow anyone to distort and divide us, because this country achieved independence through the collective strength of all Malaysians. Why should that be disputed and divided? We cannot deny it.
“That is why figures and statesmen like Tunku Abdul Rahman chose the motto ‘Bersekutu Bertambah Mutu’ (Unity Brings Strength). Why are there some among the younger generation who think they must be divided or are influenced by sentiments and incitement from any political group?” he said.
Anwar said this when speaking at the Launch of the National Month and Fly the Jalur Gemilang 2026 at the Sultan Azlan Shah Ministry of Health Malaysia Training Institute here today.
Also present were Communications Minister, Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil and Perak Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.
Anwar said the spirit of unity and the practice of cooperation among Malaysians should be used to improve the quality of life of the community, rather than forming evil alliances to plunder wealth or steal the nation’s resources.
Quoting the classic film Ali Baba Bujang Lapuk directed by Tan Sri P Ramlee about a group of 40 thieves, Anwar reminded all parties not to misuse the concept of consensus for purposes that destroy the nation’s integrity and wealth.
“Like in the film with the 40 thieves. Unite to improve the quality of life, not unite to rob and steal timber and property.
“That is why in this MADANI nation, we are adding from the perspective of artificial intelligence (AI) and we want this country to become great and successful in semiconductors, content computing and AI,” he said.
He said the rapid economic transformation currently taking place in Perak, which was once known as a major tin producer, deserves praise as Perak is now taking steps to be elevated as one of the most prominent vehicle production cities as well as a growth hub for new technology, particularly in the green technology sector in this region.
“With such technological development, it does not mean we are abandoning (fields such as) agriculture, because all other fields are also necessary,” he said.
He further said, as a result of prudent financial management and a firm spirit of unity, Malaysia remains among the countries offering the lowest retail prices for RON95 petrol and diesel in the world today, despite Malaysia’s petroleum production capacity not being as vast as major producing countries in the Gulf.
Anwar said the government remains committed to using the nation’s natural wealth fairly to cultivate and give true meaning to independence for the people, with that commitment proven through the continuation of various large-scale social assistance programmes such as Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA).
Berita Harian