National Day Should Foster Appreciation Of Nation's History, Unity - Tun Wan Junaidi

SIBU, Aug 30 (Bernama) -- The National Day celebration should serve as a platform to appreciate the history of the nation’s formation and strengthen the spirit of unity.

Yang Dipertua Negeri of Sarawak Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar emphasised that Aug 31 not only commemorates the independence of the Federation of Malaya in 1957 but also symbolises the inclusion of Sabah and Sarawak in the formation of Malaysia in 1963.

“For Sarawak, National Day represents a symbol of its participation in the big family of Malaysia and a chance to reflect on the nation’s long journey,” he said.

Tun Wan Junaidi also paid tribute to the contributions of past leaders and security forces who defended the country, describing every drop of their sweat as a symbol of courage and unwavering love for the homeland.

In addition, he reminded that national symbols such as the flag and the national emblem must continue to be respected, as they represent the dignity of the nation, while urging Malaysians to embrace the spirit of “Segulai Sejalai” to ensure the continued prosperity of the state and the country.

Meanwhile, Yang Dipertua Negeri of Sabah Tun Musa Aman called on Malaysians, particularly Sabahans to uphold unity and reject the attempts by any quarters to spread hatred through slander and lies.

In his National Day and Sabah Day 2025 message, he stressed that, in today’s era of advanced information technology and artificial intelligence, the people must remain responsible for ensuring that the information shared was both accurate and true.

According to him, Sabah, with its rich ethnic diversity and traditions, has long been an exemplary model of unity in diversity, with harmony being a strength that cannot be torn apart by divisive calls.

Tun Musa acknowledged that Malaysia has made significant progress, with improved living standards, higher income, and better education for the people, with Sabah consistently playing a key role in the country’s success.

However, he expressed hope that the development gap between Sabah and the other states could be bridged by strategic policies and effective socio-economic initiatives, while also reminding the state civil service to ensure prompt execution of all projects without bureaucratic delays.

Tun Musa also hoped that Sabah would maintain political stability to attract foreign direct investment and new talent, which would drive economic growth and bring more progress to the people.

Meanwhile,  Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor called upon Sabahans to continue embracing patriotic values, while maintaining racial and religious harmony in commemorating the celebration of both the National Day and Sabah Day.

He said both celebrations offered valuable moments for citizens to reconnect with their historical roots and strengthen their collective identity.

“These occasions extend beyond mere celebrations - they represent crucial moments to honor the brave freedom fighters whose sacrifices secured our independence,"”he said in his National Day and Sabah Day 2025 message.

Hajiji said, this year’s National Day theme "Malaysia Madani: Rakyat Disantuni" complements the Sabah Day theme "Untukmu Sabah Tanah Airku," with both reflecting core principles embedded in the MADANI framework and Sabah Maju Jaya Development Plan.

-- BERNAMA