KUALA LUMPUR: National unity begins with a conscious effort to understand one another, turning differences into a source of strength and enrichment rather than barriers, says Anthony Loke.
Speaking at the Merdeka Blessings MahāSaṅghikadāna 2026 here on Sunday (Aug 30), the Transport Minister emphasised that Malaysia's diversity of ethnicities, religions, cultures and languages forms the foundation of the nation's strength, underpinned by mutual respect and care.
"True unity begins when we make the effort to understand one another. When there is understanding, differences no longer need to become barriers. They can instead become part of the richness and strength of our community," he said.
Loke stressed that diversity could only become an asset when accompanied by goodwill and respect among communities.
"Our diversity becomes a strength when it is accompanied by understanding. Our differences become a source of enrichment when they are accompanied by mutual respect. And our society becomes stronger when understanding is followed by kindness," he added.
Loke, who is also DAP secretary-general, said simple acts of goodwill could have a profound impact on social cohesion, whether through kind words that restore confidence, compassionate actions that ease burdens or generosity that bridges differences.
He said these values align directly with the core values of the Malaysia Madani framework, which strives to build a compassionate society founded on mutual trust and shared care.
With Malaysia set to celebrate its 69th National Day on Aug 31, Loke said independence should be viewed not merely as an annual commemoration but as an ongoing commitment that must be upheld through everyday actions.
"As we celebrate our 69th Merdeka, we should remember that independence is not only something that we commemorate once a year.
"The strength of our nation must be renewed every day through the way we treat one another, through our willingness to understand those who are different from us, and through our commitment to place the well-being of our country above the differences that may exist among us," he said.
Loke noted that the gathering itself reflected its theme, "Understanding Unites, Kindness Blesses", by bringing together Buddhist monks, nuns and lay devotees from various traditions, including Thai, Sri Lankan, Burmese, Mahāyāna, Tibetan and Lao communities.
He said that despite differences in customs, languages and origins, the participants were united by a shared aspiration for the peace, harmony and prosperity of Malaysia.
Loke also expressed appreciation to the United Buddhist Order of Malaysia (UBOM), participating organisations, the Saṅgha and volunteers for organising the event.
"On this meaningful Merdeka occasion, let us continue building a Malaysia in which our diversity is not merely accepted, but understood, respected and cherished as one of our nation's greatest strengths," he said. – Bernama
