PETALING JAYA: As the country celebrated its 60th Malaysia Day, Malaysians are celebrating this historic day with a strong sense of unity among them, says Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
“We are celebrating Malaysia Day in this spirit of unity among all of us.
“We celebrate Malaysia Day with that spirit. That is the basis for our unity. We are united in diversity, and there is diversity in our union,” he said in a social media post yesterday.
He called on the people to look back into history if they wish to bring the country forward.
Six decades of nationhood is a long time, and there are many bittersweet memories that can be garnered from this period, he added.
“We need to look back at history if we want to move forward.
“The original reason for the formation of Malaysia was to ensure that the influence of communism did not spread in Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, Sabah and Sarawak.
“Although Singapore is no longer with us, we have successfully prevented communism from taking root,” said the former prime minister.
On Sept 16, 1963, Malaysia was formed with Malaya, North Borneo (as Sabah was called then), Sarawak and Singapore (which quit the Federation in 1965) as equal partners.
Dr Mahathir said with Sabah and Sarawak included in the Federation, the effort towards an independent nation has also been fulfilled.
Through the Federation, he said Malaysia has gained benefits in terms of economic growth and development.
“There are times when dissatisfaction emerges within each of us. This is normal when it comes to the effort to unite different types of regions,” he added.
Dr Mahathir said above all, it is important that unity be strengthened in order to create a strong Federation.
