Unity pivotal for the nation

                  

       The nation’s 57^th Independence Day will be celebrated by Malaysians of all walks of life on 31^st August. This year’s theme is “Malaysia, Where Love Grows”.  This theme is chosen with the hope that the citizens of this nation will show more love and patriotism towards building a strong nation and become resilient to all challenges. Where there is love, nothing is too much trouble and there is always time. When our hearts are filled with love everything seems beautiful and delightful to us.

As a nation, Malaysia is unique compared to many countries of the world. Malaysia is a multi-racial society with diverse cultures, language, beliefs, and races, including indigenous groups.  In such a multi-racial context, I believe unity among the people of this society is pivotal. Without unity, harmony and solidarity among the citizens, I am sure the nation could not have achieved such heights, progress and achievements in all sectors. Our leaders acknowledge that the unity in diversity as the plus point for the nation.

Truly, unity is the key for the progress of our nation.  As such, unity should be preserved and treasured at all cost. Unity among the members of our society can be promoted by inter-faith activities among believers of the all Faith. We should learn to consort with the followers of all religions in a spirit of friendliness and fellowship.

More inter-ethnic studies should be initiated among the students to understand the different ethnic groups living in Malaysia. In such ways, tolerance and understanding will prevail among the peoples of Malaysia.

Unity should be regarded as a stepping stone towards lasting material and spiritual prosperity of the nation. People of all walks of life should actively engaged in determining the direction of our nation. We have the ownership of our own future and have come to realize the collective power we already have to transform ourselves. United we stand tall, and divided we fall.

Any incidents that cause disunity and contention among the citizens of the nation should be condemned. Severe penalties should be enforced for those who incite hatred and prejudice against segments of the Malaysian society. Unity should be upheld at all cost. We cannot afford to ruin the strong foundation of unity that has been painstaking built by our forefathers of this nation.

 We hope that the principle of unity in diversity will serve as a guiding light for the way forward for our nation, Malaysia. Long live Malaysia, motherland for more 27 million Malaysians.