KUCHING: The Malaysia Day celebration next Monday (Sept 16) is an occasion for citizens to join hands in unity, says Kuching Roman Catholic Archbishop Simon Poh.
He called on Malaysians to go beyond slogans and work towards nation-building.
"Let us truly be one people of Malaysia, celebrating our unity and diversity, mutual acceptance and respect for all religions, races and cultures," he said in a Malaysia Day message on Thursday (Sept 12).
Poh said the nation's unity in diversity was reflected in the opening and closing ceremonies of the recent Malaysia Games (Sukma) hosted by Sarawak, which brought together various cultures and ethnicities for sports.
The Games also allowed the whole nation to celebrate the talents and achievements of young Malaysians, he said.
"I believe what captured the hearts of Malaysians is that Sukma celebrated our unity and friendship, giving due respect to various cultural traditions and honour to young athletes.
"This is the true spirit of Malaysians from Sabah, Sarawak and the peninsula who celebrate Malaysia Day.
"Let the theme 'Malaysia Madani: Jiwa Merdeka' become a reality, symbolising the integration of Malaysians from various cultures and ethnicities," Poh added.
The national-level Malaysia Day celebration will take place in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, on Sept 16.
Sarawak will hold its state-level celebration in Sri Aman.
