By Aidalina Mahili

I grew up in a household of family traditions. And one of these traditions was the strongly instilled notion that National Day is to be celebrated, the Jalur Gemilang is to be hung, patriotic movies are to be watched, we were supposed to stay up for the fireworks and wake up in the wee hours the next day to line up for the National Day parade.

On the eve of National Day, aside from stunning the KLCC fireworks or those observed from my viewpoint, the small bedroom window in my hometown, I would look forward to the Prime Minister’s National Day address. To be honest, until today, only a few stood out and remained memorable.

Auspiciously, after 66 years, this year’s National Day address has proven to be noteworthy. Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s speech during the Merdeka Day celebration resonated deeply with the nation, urging Malaysians to unite and uphold the principles of justice and equality embedded in the Federal Constitution. The significance of this year's celebration and his address personify a broader context of Malaysia’s journey towards unity, progress, and inclusivity.

Another milestone

Malaysia’s 66th Independence Day celebration marked another milestone in the nation’s history. It is a day when Malaysians from diverse backgrounds come together to celebrate their shared identity as Malaysians. The theme for this year’s celebration was "Malaysia Madani: Tekad Perpaduan, Penuhi Harapan" (Determination in Unity, Fulfilling Hope), emphasising the importance of unity in a nation known for its rich cultural tapestry. The grand festivities, parades, cultural performances, and patriotic displays across the country reflected the collective pride Malaysians hold for their country.

One of the central messages of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s Merdeka Day 2023 address was a call for unity and the defence of every Malaysian’s rights, as enshrined in the Federal Constitution. Anwar emphasised that the constitution represents the bedrock of Malaysia’s identity and must be upheld without dispute. His message was clear: in a diverse nation like Malaysia, respecting and safeguarding the constitution is essential for fostering harmony and social cohesion. Anwar’s speech was a comprehensive reflection on the state of the nation and his vision for its future.

Highlights

Key highlights from his address include:

The Historical Perspective: Anwar started by recounting Malaysia’s journey to independence, acknowledging the sacrifices of those who fought for freedom. He underlined the importance of remembering this history to appreciate the nation’s progress.

The Significance of Independence Celebrations: He elaborated on why celebrating Independence Day every year is crucial, as it serves as a reminder of the values and principles that should guide the nation's development.

The Meaning of Independence: Anwar emphasised that independence, in his view, means more than just political sovereignty. It entails economic and social independence, where every citizen enjoys equal access to opportunities and resources.

Inequality and Infrastructure: Anwar candidly addressed the issue of inequality, noting that Malaysia should not boast about its skyscrapers and landmarks while some of its citizens lack basic infrastructure. He stressed the government’s responsibility to ensure that the underprivileged are taken care of. Anwar’s commitment to improving the basic infrastructure in public schools is a step toward equitable access to education. Ensuring that schools have the necessary facilities and resources is essential for nurturing the country’s future leaders and bridging educational disparities. These measures may seem petty but they were long time coming, yearned for during the reign of past education ministers and will certainly give a facelift to Malaysia’s education landscape.

Inclusive development

Anwar's call to address the disparity in infrastructure and living conditions reflects his commitment to inclusive development. He stressed that Malaysia’s progress should not be gauged solely by its gleaming skyscrapers but by the well- being of all its citizens, especially the marginalised. The alignment of Malaysia’s strategic plan with its quest for independence is crucial.

Prime Minister Anwar emphasised the launch of the New Industrial Master Plan, aimed at spurring high- technology industries and digital transformation. This plan is not just about economic growth but also about creating jobs for the youth, ensuring that every segment of society benefits from Malaysia’s progress.

Anwar’s call for unity, especially on the eve of National Day, carries significant weight. He warned against the dangers of ethnic and religious fanaticism, drawing attention to the potential consequences of division. History has shown that nations torn apart by internal strife often face regression and instability. With this point, I am finally convinced that this is it, THE speech. It has been years since I watched a National Day speech that is patriotically uplifting yet non rhetorical.

Unity

Anwar’s vision for Malaysia, through his speech, is one of a just, equal, and prosperous nation. He envisions a Malaysia where diversity is celebrated, and the rights of every citizen are protected. His emphasis on unity, inclusivity, and social justice reflects a commitment to steering Malaysia toward a brighter future.

Unity in Malaysia is not solely the government’s responsibility. Every Malaysian plays a crucial role in fostering unity by respecting one another’s rights, embracing diversity, and working towards common goals. Anwar’s message is a reminder that unity is a collective effort.

In the spirit of Merdeka, Anwar emphasised that Malaysia’s reputation should not be built solely on its landmarks but on its fairness to all, including the disadvantaged. This vision aligns with the principles of justice and equality enshrined in the constitution. Anwar’s mention of the National Energy Transition Roadmap and the forthcoming New Industrial Master Plan underscore Malaysia’s commitment to sustainable development and job creation. These initiatives are vital for ensuring a prosperous future while mitigating the environmental impact.

As Malaysia celebrated its 66th Independence Day, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s address served as a poignant reminder of the nation’s journey, challenges, and aspirations. It emphasised the importance of unity, inclusivity, and justice in the ongoing quest for progress. Malaysia’s future hinges on its ability to uphold the principles enshrined in its constitution, ensuring that every citizen, regardless of their background, can fully participate in and benefit from the nation’s development.

On this historic occasion, Malaysians were called upon to not only remember their past but also to shape a future where unity and equality prevail. In the words of the prime minister, Malaysia’s true greatness lies in being a nation that is fair to all. From this enriching address, independence is not just a historical event; it’s an ongoing process. It means ensuring that every Malaysian, regardless of their background, enjoys equal rights and opportunities. Anwar’s vision for Malaysia is one where the principles of justice, equality, and inclusivity are upheld, and the nation progresses as a united entity.

Every year on August 31st, Malaysia celebrates Independence Day with great zeal and fervour. This annual event is not just a commemoration of the nation’s liberation from colonial rule but also a reflection on the progress, challenges, and aspirations that define Malaysia today. The 66th National Day would be the fifth National Day celebration hosted by Malaysia’s administrative centre, Putrajaya. Witnessed by more than 10,000 people from all walks of life, ten contingents representing Nationhood; Malaysia Madani Unity; the Economy; Banking; Telecommunications; the Creative and Broadcasting Industry; the Community; National Sports; National Well-being and Security marched in the parade on Thursday. It was so amazing to witness how proud our people are with our national heroes, real people who run the country.

To appreciate the significance of Malaysia’s Independence Day, it is essential to revisit its history. Malaysia gained independence from British colonial rule on 31st August 1957, with Tunku Abdul Rahman as the first prime minister. In 1963, the federation expanded to include Sabah and Sarawak, forming the Malaysia we know today. This historical context reminds Malaysians of the struggles their forefathers faced and the importance of cherishing the nation’s hard-won freedom.

Multiple purposes

The annual celebration of Malaysia’s Independence Day serves multiple purposes:

National Identity: It reinforces a sense of belonging and shared identity among Malaysians, transcending ethnic, religious, and cultural differences.

Patriotism: It instils patriotism and pride in the nation’s achievements, fostering a spirit of unity.

Reflection: It provides an opportunity to reflect on the nation’s progress and challenges, encouraging collective introspection.

Thus, as we celebrate the 60th Anniversary of Malaysia, two weeks after the 66th Merdeka celebration, it is of utmost importance that in the context of nation building, we Malaysians must reflect the true meaning of “Bersekutu Bertambah Mutu” (Unity is Strength). Anwar’s 2023 Merdeka speech was laden with the aspiration that we Malaysians must envision.

To all Malaysians, the nation we live in is not ordinary; it has been endowed with natural resources, cultures, and diversity. The most we can do is ensure that all of these are protected and returned to the rightful people so that we can accomplish our goal of becoming the region’s strongest country.

Selamat Hari Malaysia (A Happy Malaysia Day).

-- BERNAMA

Aidalina Mahili is a Security Analyst.