MALAYSIANS must reject rhetoric that divides the country along racial, religious and ethnic lines, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said, warning that national unity and peace cannot be taken for granted.
With Malaysia set to celebrate its 69th Independence Day, Anwar said the harmony enjoyed by Malaysians today was built on the willingness of citizens to respect, understand and look after one another.
"Do not give room to the seeds of hostility between races. Instead, nurture the spirit of sharing, caring and helping so that the country's progress can be enjoyed together regardless of race or background," he said.
Anwar also called for Bahasa Melayu, the country's official language, to be continuously upheld while Malaysians also develop proficiency in English, Mandarin, Tamil and other languages.
He said multilingualism would broaden access to knowledge while creating greater educational and economic opportunities.
"With a strong identity and openness towards diversity, we must continue to build a Malaysia that is peaceful, united and progressive for all," he said in George Town yesterday.
Anwar, who revealed that he had been a scout during his school days, said the worldwide scouting movement offered important lessons in leadership, service, empathy and compassion.
Speaking at the 15th National Scout Jamboree at Batu Kawan Stadium, he said the movement's principle of putting service before self reflected Malaysia's own aspiration to build unity despite its diversity.
"Our brotherhood and sisterhood should be the basis of strong leadership to seek unity despite our diversities and differences. We want to be the positive change of having the discipline to serve; to have empathy and compassion."
The four-day jamboree has brought together about 13,000 scouts from Malaysia and abroad for activities including camping, outdoor adventures, cooking classes and cultural exchanges.
At the event, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the state was hosting the national scout jamboree for the first time in 60 years.
Earlier at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) in Permatang Pauh, Anwar said Malaysia's independence was achieved through the sacrifices and struggles of those who opposed colonialism and fought for the nation's freedom.
"As a sovereign nation, we must determine our own future, values and systems rather than allow others to dictate them. We are defined by our people, our culture and our identity, and it is our responsibility to safeguard the nation’s dignity and independence for future generations," said Anwar when opening the Friends of Madani concept programme.
"As Malaysians born after independence, we want to see a united, strong and respected nation. The country’s dignity, honour and standing must continue to be elevated so that Malaysia can become a truly great nation. We should not allow divisive rhetoric based on race, skin colour or religion to distract us from the real issues affecting the people," said Anwar.
He also identified corruption and abuse of power as among the country's greatest challenges, stressing that corruption was fundamentally an issue of integrity and governance rather than race or community.
"Corruption and abuse of power remain among the greatest challenges facing the country. Corruption is not a problem of any particular race or community; it is a problem of integrity and governance. Those entrusted with public office must serve with honesty, sincerity and accountability."
"No one can claim to be serving the people while enriching themselves through public resources. If we are serious about developing the nation and improving the lives of ordinary Malaysians, corruption and leakages must be rejected at every level," said Anwar.
Anwar also approved an additional RM4.6 million this year to upgrade basic infrastructure at 27 Islamic educational institutions in Penang.
The allocation is more than double the RM2.11 million provided last year for upgrading works at 11 such institutions.
Anwar said the latest allocation would fund upgrading works at madrasahs, schools and tahfiz academies across the state. - August 30, 2026
