PETALING JAYA: Malaysia Day should serve as a reminder to strengthen unity through fairness and inclusivity, says MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong (pic).
The Ayer Hitam MP said every Malaysian, regardless of whether they live in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah or Sarawak, must feel that opportunities, resources and development are distributed fairly.
“To make Malaysia Day more meaningful, I believe we must ensure fairness and inclusivity. This will help reduce feelings of regional divide and strengthen our national identity,” he said in his Malaysia Day message.
Dr Wee said Malaysia Day is the perfect occasion to recognise the contributions of all communities across the nation.
“It reminds us that every state and every group plays a role in shaping Malaysia’s success,” he said.
Reflecting on the country’s history, he said Malaysia Day is a celebration of the nation’s shared journey and collective destiny.
“We first achieved independence in 1957, and in 1963, with the coming together of Sabah and Sarawak, we completed the vision of Malaysia as a united nation.
“It is not only a historic milestone but also a reflection of our shared destiny, where people of diverse backgrounds, cultures and faiths have chosen to build a future together,” he said.
Dr Wee stressed that the occasion is not just about festivities but also about fostering unity and mutual respect.
“To me, Malaysia Day is a call for unity, resilience and mutual respect.
“It is about remembering that the strength of Malaysia lies not in uniformity, but in our diversity and in our ability to remain strong as one nation despite challenges,” he said.
Malaysians, he said, should cultivate a culture of gratitude by appreciating the sacrifices of past generations while committing themselves to safeguarding unity, justice and harmony for the future.
“Ultimately, Malaysia Day should inspire us, not only to celebrate who we are today but also to renew our commitment to building a Malaysia that is fairer, stronger and more united for generations to come,” he said.
Yong Peng assemblyman Ling Tian Soon said Malaysia Day is a reminder of how people from different walks of life have come together to build a nation founded on friendship, respect and harmony.
The MCA Youth chief said the occasion highlights Malaysia as a home to people of various ethnicities, religions and backgrounds, united in their shared pride as Malaysians.
“What makes Malaysia unique is how these different communities have become good friends, each with their own stories, experiences and traditions.
“We may have grown up in different environments, but on this day, we celebrate with pride as Malaysians – respecting one another and standing together as one,” he said.
Paloh assemblyman Lee Ting Han said Malaysia Day should go beyond parades and official ceremonies, becoming a celebration that fosters meaningful connections.
“To make Malaysia Day even more special in the future, I believe we should go beyond official ceremonies by creating more youth and community programmes that connect people across regions and encourage Malaysians to work together on local projects.
“In this way, Malaysia Day is not only about remembering our past but also about showing what we can achieve together as one nation,” he said.
This year’s celebration, he said, was especially meaningful as he marked the occasion during Johor Week at the Osaka Expo in Japan.
“We are promoting Malaysia on the world stage – showcasing our culture, talents and opportunities to a global audience,” he said.
