Transcend Above Race, Stay United To Achieve National Harmony - Nga

IPOH, June 14 (Bernama) -- Malaysians from all backgrounds must remain united and work together to ensure peace, stability, and prosperity for the nation, just as every instrument in an orchestra must play in harmony to create beautiful music, said Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming.

Speaking at the official opening ceremony of Taiping International Youth Marching Band Festival 2026, Nga said music with various times and rhythm serves as a powerful reminder that diversity is not a weakness but a strength when guided by mutual respect, understanding and a shared purpose.

He said that in a country blessed with rich diversity, Malaysians must always respect and understand each other’s differences, as turning against each other will not help the country prosper but will cause more damage and instability.

“As the nation moves closer to the election season, Malaysians must not allow differences in political views to divide society, but instead we must uphold the spirit of maturity, respect and unity.

"Just as musicians playing different instruments but remain focused on producing one harmonious performance for the benefit of all,” he said.

According to Nga, Malaysia has been selected by global peace index aamong top 12 most peaceful countries in the world which is an achievement that shall be cherished by all Malaysians under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim leadership.

On the Festival, Nga noted that the gathering of youth marching bands from Malaysia, Japan, the Philippines, Indonesia and Hong Kong demonstrates how people from different cultures and nationalities can come together in harmony despite having different backgrounds.

He said music transcends barriers of race, religion, language and nationality, making it a universal language that fosters friendship, inspires hope and strengthens bonds between communities across borders.

“A world-class city must not be measured by economic development per se, music, culture and art must play a crucial component creating such a world-class environment,” he said.

Nga also commended the organisers, educators, volunteers, sponsors and community partners whose dedication and collaboration transformed the music festival into a successful international event that showcases Taiping’s heritage and Malaysia’s cultural richness to the world.

Expressing hope that the friendships forged during the festival will endure beyond the final performance, Nga called on all Malaysians to embrace the values embodied by music, which are respect, discipline, understanding and unity as the foundation for a stronger and more harmonious nation.

“When music unites us, we must continue to build bridges and not let others trying to build walls that divide us,” he said.

-- BERNAMA