The Meaning of Independence Must Be Translated into the Lives of the People – Ahmad Zahid
KUALA LUMPUR: The meaning of independence must be translated into the lives of the people by ensuring they gain skills, better job opportunities, and are not left behind in the nation’s development stream, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
He said the struggle today is no longer to achieve independence, but to ensure that the meaning of independence truly lives in the people’s lives.
“As Deputy Prime Minister, for me, independence today means we prepare young people with skills, especially TVET skills, so that they are able to seize premium-paying jobs in the future,” he said in a speech via a video uploaded on Facebook in conjunction with National Day 2026 today.
He said independence must provide space for small entrepreneurs to grow, while every family has the opportunity to change their lives.
The Deputy Prime Minister said the state must also be present to protect the people during disasters and help them rise up and rebuild their lives.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also Minister of Rural and Regional Development, said the trust shouldered under his ministry is to ensure that the nation’s progress does not stop at the city limits, but reaches every village, hamlet, and interior area.
“Because ultimately, a nation does not become great only because of what is built, but because of who is brought along in the development,” he said.
Reflecting on the nation’s journey since independence, he said a single road can change a village, electricity supply brings hope to modest homes, and a small classroom can give birth to great aspirations.
He said independence is not merely a date in the historical calendar, but the long journey of a nation building confidence, determining its future, and elevating the dignity of its people.
Ahmad Zahid said independence also means developing the halal industry, which is not only a source of pride for Malaysia but also opens up markets and livelihood opportunities for the people on the world stage.
“Malaysia is our home. A home that has been bequeathed to us in peace, and it is our trust to pass it on to the next generation in a more prosperous, more just, and more equitable state,” he said.
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof called on the people to free themselves from division, hatred, prejudice, and extremism that could undermine national harmony.
In a post on the same platform, he said independence does not only mean being free from colonization, but demands that the people ensure its spirit continues to live within themselves and in their lives.
“We may differ in religion, culture, language, customs, and walks of life. However, we share one homeland, one future, and one hope – a peaceful, prosperous, and harmonious Malaysia for all,” he said in conjunction with National Day today.
Fadillah said that in facing economic and technological changes, global competition, social challenges, and the rapid flow of information, the people must not lose their identity, values, and spirit of togetherness as Malaysians.
In that regard, he invited the people to continue preserving unity, respecting diversity, upholding the Federal Constitution and the law, and embracing the Rukun Negara.
He said the spirit of Malaysia MADANI demands a nation that is not only advanced in terms of development but also ensures that well-being is enjoyed by all levels of society.
“Independence is not only about what we have inherited, but also about what we will bequeath.
“We want to bequeath to future generations a Malaysia that is just, prosperous, peaceful, united, and harmonious,” he said.
Fadillah also urged the people to give meaning to independence through actions by preserving unity, respecting differences, maintaining harmony, rejecting hatred, and carrying out their responsibilities as citizens with full integrity.
This year’s National Day celebration is themed “Malaysia MADANI: Kesejahteraan Dinikmati” (Malaysia MADANI: Wellbeing Enjoyed).
BERNAMA