KUALA LUMPUR: Racial unity is the main key to the harmony and well-being of the people and country, says the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah.
In a post on Istana Negara’s Facebook page, His Majesty said it was in line with the theme of this year’s National Day celebrations, which is “Malaysia Madani: Tekad Perpaduan, Penuhi Harapan” (Determination in Unity, Fulfilling Hope).
“In fact, this strong unity is also the main key to the stability and prosperity of the country, as well as the seed and source of strength for us to face any current and future challenges,” said Al-Sultan Abdullah.
His Majesty recalled memories of more than six decades ago, when the spirit of nationalism and love for the country brought the people together and, with determination and dedication, independence was achieved.
Al-Sultan Abdullah also called on the people to appreciate the services of the leaders, fighters and patriots of the country’s independence in fostering unity among us, as well as the services of members of the security forces in defending the country’s sovereignty.
“Therefore, it is a joint responsibility of the leaders and the people to not only preserve and strengthen the harmony and unity that have been achieved but also to fuel it among us,” said His Majesty.
The Yang di-Pertuan Agong and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah also called on the people to pray for the continued overflow of prosperity, well-being and lasting unity and for the country to be protected from any form of calamity and disaster.
In an immediate reaction to the King’s speech, advocates of national unity said the royal message must be heeded and practised.
Malaysian Unity Foundation trustee Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said the people must not take interracial and religious harmony for granted.
“The creation and sustenance of national unity must be given the highest priority, for unity is vital for the continued growth of Malaysia as a secure, peaceful, progressive and united nation.
“We should ensure unity in diversity. Unity is the bond that seals our nationhood,” he said.
G25 member Datuk Noor Farida Ariffin said national unity is of utmost importance in the country’s multiracial and multi-religious society.
“Our forefathers like Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj and his Alliance Party colleagues like Tun Tan Cheng Lock and Tun V.T. Sambanthan fought very hard and made personal sacrifices to get our colonial master to grant us our independence.
“Yet, we have irresponsible politicians now who don’t value the sacrifices of our forefathers and are using race and religion to divide us,” she said.
Tawfik Ismail, the son of Malaysia’s second deputy prime minister, Tun Dr Ismail Abdul Rahman, called upon Malaysians to have faith in one another and to choose leaders carefully.
“We need to be nurtured and cared for by the responsible and the wise, to teach us to accept our differences and be friends with our siblings and acquaintances. We will stumble and sometimes crawl, but as time passes, we gain strength and confidence in our abilities, and we grow up to be a responsible nation and people,” he said.
