PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on Malaysians to cast aside hatred and prejudice based on race, religion or region, and to stand united as an independent and sovereign nation.
Speaking at the national-level Malaysia Day 2025 celebration at PICCA Arena in Butterworth, Anwar reflected on recent global conflicts, particularly Israel's alleged aggression towards Doha, Qatar, and the continued devastation in Gaza and the West Bank.
He said these events revealed the challenges facing the Islamic and Arab world in countering Zionist power.
“After Israel attacked Doha, Qatar, and continues to destroy Gaza and Palestine in the West Bank, what I have observed is that the strength of the Islamic and Arab world is struggling to match the power of Israel,” he said.
“The lesson here is that sovereign and independent countries must unite and dissolve hatred and prejudice between races, religions and regions. Extremism, whether racial, religious fanaticism, tribalism or narrow regionalism, must be eradicated to ensure the prosperity of a free and sovereign nation,” he added.
The event, themed ‘Malaysia MADANI: Rakyat Disantuni’, was attended by over 10,000 people from all walks of life.
Also present were the Yang Dipertua Negeri of Penang, Tun Ramli Ngah Talib and his wife Toh Puan Raja Noora Ashikin Raja Abdullah, Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, and representatives from Sarawak and Sabah.
Anwar stressed that the strength of the country lies not solely in economic development, but in its multiracial unity.
“The strength of our country is not only dependent on economic or development policies. In truth, Malaysia’s strength lies in its unity – a unity of people from diverse ethnicities, religions, and cultures.
“If we fail to preserve this unity, then no matter how sound our policies may be, they will be meaningless. That is why I always emphasise – our diversity is not a weakness, but a strength,” he said.
Anwar also reminded Malaysians of the nation’s struggle for independence, pointing to the legacy of early leaders who rejected foreign domination and fought for sovereignty.
“We must understand why our ancestral leaders rejected foreign rule that exploited the country’s wealth and colonised the minds and systems of our people.
“The nation desired freedom, independence, and to reject the systems of domination, abuse and humiliation imposed by outsiders – in politics, economics, culture, education and social systems,” he said.
Anwar said responsible governance and economic reforms were essential to reverse the damage of colonialism and to ensure a more prosperous and just society for all.
“Good governance can undo the injustices caused by colonisers who left the country poor and vulnerable, while bold economic reforms can guarantee comfort and progress for all,” he added.
The nationwide Malaysia Day celebrations spanned the Peninsula and Borneo, highlighting the spirit of unity through a series of community and cultural events.
In Sarawak, nearly 10,000 people gathered at the former Bintulu Airport for the state-level celebration attended by the Yang di-Pertua Negeri, Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, and other state and federal dignitaries. The day featured a 6km Malaysia Day Run and colourful cultural displays.
In Kuala Lumpur, residents of Taman Lucky, Bangsar, took part in a 3km ‘Malaysia Day Walk’ organised by the local residents’ association, joined by agencies including the Royal Malaysia Police and Fire and Rescue Department.
Kelantan’s celebration turned heads with a cultural procession featuring two tame elephants, Sanum and Chery, near Istana Balai Besar in Kota Bharu, alongside traditional costumes and performances.
In Johor, 10-year-old Saif Islam Abdul Rahman impressed the public by donning a Jalur Gemilang-themed Iban warrior costume made from recycled materials, creatively designed by his mother to promote Sarawak’s heritage.
Malaysians abroad also marked the day. At the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, members of the MALBATT 850-12 contingent held a 10km ‘Fun Run’.
Meanwhile, Bernama cited that the Malaysian Embassy in Laos hosted a diplomatic reception to commemorate the occasion and strengthen bilateral ties.
Malaysia Day is observed annually on 16 September to commemorate the formation of the Malaysian federation in 1963, uniting Malaya, Sabah and Sarawak under one sovereign nation. -September 17, 2025
