Show of solidarity

Standing united: (From left) Low, Josiah, Marina, Cheong and Daly showing their support by wearing the AnakAnakMalaysia wristband. Photo: SAMUEL ONG

MORE prominent figures and celebrities are pledging their support for the #AnakAnakMalaysia campaign.

Initiated to remind us what it truly means to be Malaysian and to uphold the spirit of independence and unity in a simple yet extremely impactful manner, these influential figures shared their love for the country and what it meant to be Anak Malaysia.

#AnakAnakMalaysia, a collaboration between EcoWorld Development Group Bhd (EcoWorld) and Star Media Group Bhd (formerly known as Star Publications (M) Bhd), was launched on Monday in the run-up to the country’s upcoming National Day and 52nd Malaysia Day.

Social activitist Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir, 58, sees the #AnakAnakMalaysia campaign as a symbol of unity.

“We are a multiracial country, we see different faces and hear different languages around the country and not forgetting the beautiful landscapes that we have.

“Wearing these wristbands is not just a fashion accessory but to show togetherness.

“Don’t give up hope and don’t give up on Malaysia,” she said.

StarMetro columnist Niki Cheong, 35, said historically, Malaysians had proved to be resilient people as evidenced by past and current events.

“But we have always managed to beat the odds each time.

“Right now we are going through a bad time with the economic situation, political crossroads and increasing polarisation. We are nitpicking on the little things and we forget the power of coming together collectively to overcome them.

“I want to see my vibrant Malaysia return where we work together to triumph against all of the odds,” said the writer and lecturer.

Kakiseni Association president Low Ngai Yuen said the campaign was a good reminder for Malaysians to think about what they could do for the country.

“We have taken so much from our country such as water and other resources.

“But do we ask ourselves what value we can add to the country that has given us everything?” she remarked.

The 38-year-old said Malaysians should not wait until things were bad for them to exhibit the values of Anak Malaysia.

Among the things Women’s Aid Organisation former executive director Ivy Josiah, 60, is proud of being a Malaysian is the passionate and generous people coming together when they need to help each other.

“It is that pride that swells up when you hear a Malaysian voice when you are overseas, the aroma of roti canai and nasi lemak or when you are greeted with smiling eyes by a MAS flight attendant.

“I am proud of Malaysia because it is my home.

“As a first generation in Malaysia, it is really important that we claim our citizenship. As a Malaysian Indian, I refused to be categorised as a ‘pendatang’.

“The campaign reinforces that we are not just anak Malaysia but citizens of Malaysia. I hope this campaign goes beyond the urban Kuala Lumpur and doesn’t become elitist,” said Josiah.

Born and raised in Malaysia, Elaine Daly looks forward to coming home whenever she travels out of the country.

“Malaysia is a place I call home. We have the best food, best weather and wonderful cultures that merge together here.

“It is great there’s this initiative that serves as a reminder to everyone that we are all Malaysians. A reminder that unity is important. We stand together for the sake of peace,” said the 38-year-old former beauty queen and TV host.

The campaign runs until Sept 16. For details, visit www.anakanakmalaysia.com