KUALA LUMPUR: With Malaysia’s 68th National Day just days away, MPs from both sides of the aisle have expressed hopes for the occasion to further unite the people and the country.
Syahredzan Johan (PH-Bangi) said the upcoming national day would once again help Malaysians understand the need for unity and understanding among everyone.
"While symbols and emblems are important manifestations of our patriotism, we have often found ourselves overly caught up in them.
“True patriotism lies in our ability to accept our fellow Malaysians through our shared history and destiny that we all experience together.
“Let this National Day remind us what it truly means to be a Malaysian and chart our own course forward,” he told The Star on Thursday (Aug 28).
Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin (PN-Larut) hoped that this National Day would serve as a reflection of not just our pride in our country’s independence but also the independence of each Malaysian.
“Let this National Day not just be a reminder of Malaysia’s independence but also the independence of our minds, forged together as the Malaysian people.
“Everyone should have sentimental values not just toward the country but also to each other and trust each other more.
“If everyone is together, I believe we can rise as one nation, respected by all,” he told The Star.
Human Resources Minister Steven Sim (PH-Bukit Mertajam) said the upcoming National Day celebrations were not just about uplifting the country but especially the most vulnerable among us.
“The progress of a nation cannot be measured by how much wealth we can give to those who are already wealthy.
“It must be measured by how we are able to provide sufficiently for those who have less — the vulnerable, the disadvantaged, and workers, including gig workers.
“This is my hope as the minister entrusted with the responsibility of protecting workers,” he said during a press conference at Parliament on Thursday.
