Malaysians urged to unite, rekindle patriotic spirit

KUALA LUMPUR (Bernama): On the eve of Malaysia Day, several leaders in the country have expressed hope that the celebration can become a platform to unify the people, as well as rekindle the patriotic spirit.

Communications and Multimedia Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa, in a tweet said that September 16 was a very meaningful date for the "Malaysian Family".

"Malaysians in every corner of the country continue to prove there is no place more fortunate than Malaysia. Happy Malaysia Day!” he said.

Minister of National Unity Datuk Halimah Mohamed Sadique, in her address on Wednesday (Sept 15) night, called on the people to unite and work together as a Malaysian Family, to overcome the Covid-19 pandemic.

Halimah said Covid-19 brought its own challenges to all sections of society, and the struggle to stop the spread of the disease would not be successful without the cooperation of all parties.

Minister of Rural Development Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid also chimed in on Twitter, calling on the people to work together and be united in taking the country to the pinnacle of success in all fields.

Deputy Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Zahidi Zainul Abidin invited Malaysians to appreciate the struggles and historic moments of the country's establishment and hoped that Malaysia would continue to remain prosperous and recover from the Covid-19 pandemic.

"Malaysia Day is not just a celebration, but a historic moment that we must remember and cherish to appreciate the sacrifices of the country's fighters who have contributed a lot in the establishment of this sovereign nation," he said in a post on his social media page.

Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Azhar Azizan Harun also reminded Malaysians to continue to adhere to standard operating procedure (SOP) in curbing the spread of the pandemic.

Meanwhile, Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Saarani Mohamad said in line with the spirit of the country’s independence, the people to strengthen their resolve and determination to continue to fight to free themselves, their families and the community from the threat of the Covid-19 epidemic.

"Even though there are certain relaxations announced by the government, I hope it is not used as an excuse for us to feel too comfortable, let alone take it easy. There are still SOPs that we need to follow and there are areas in our state that are still under the enhanced movement control order," he said in his address.

Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said some of the flexibility given to the state under Phase Two of the National Rehabilitation Plan had pleased many parties, and allowed people to reflect deeper on the meaning and importance of Malaysia Day.

Amirudin also reminded the people of Selangor of the need to live with Covid-19 as an endemic, and hoped that the people of the state remained collectively responsible by taking care of their health and becoming exemplary citizens to other states and countries.

In LABUAN, Senator Datuk Bashir Alias ​​called on Malaysians to be united and appreciate the blessings of peace and independence, to ensure continued harmony, and avoid strife and division. - Bernama