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G25: Merdeka is a time to strengthen institutions, not just celebrate progress
MALAYSIA’S 69th Merdeka anniversary should be a reminder of how far the country has come, but also of the work still needed to build a stronger nation, G25 Malaysia said.
The group of former senior civil servants said Malaysia’s transformation since independence had been significant, with sustained investment in education, healthcare, infrastructure, rural development and the wider economy helping move the country beyond its earlier reliance on agriculture and primary commodities.
But G25 said the challenges facing Malaysia today were different and, in some respects, more complex.
In its Merdeka Day message, the group pointed to changes in the global economy and technology, inequality, public institutions and the strain on social cohesion in an increasingly divided information environment.
Social media, it said, had made it easier for people to communicate and connect, but had also created new avenues for misinformation and for those seeking to exploit differences within society.
“While technology has broken down many barriers and brought people closer together, it can also deepen divisions, spread misinformation and amplify voices that seek to exploit our differences,” G25 said.
Despite these challenges, the group stressed Malaysians had the experience, resources and human potential to move forward.
It said the country’s diversity remained an important source of strength, with Malaysians of different backgrounds having built communities through shared cultures, food, languages and traditions.
But celebrating those achievements should not lead to complacency, G25 added.
The group argued that Malaysia’s progress in the years ahead should not be judged by economic indicators alone.
According to the group, a mature nation also needed institutions trusted by the public, responsible use of power and respect for the rule of law, while ensuring Malaysians had a meaningful role in shaping the country’s future.
“Strengthening Parliament and public institutions, improving accountability and governance, and safeguarding our constitutional rights are essential,” it said.
G25 also stressed the need for Malaysians to be more willing to listen to one another as technology continues to shape public discourse.
It added difficult issues needed to be approached with maturity and discernment, particularly at a time when social media could quickly turn differences into deeper divisions.
The group urged Malaysians to put the country’s longer-term interests ahead of the divisions of the moment.
“On this Merdeka Day, let us take pride in the distance Malaysia has travelled without becoming complacent about the road ahead,” G25 said.
It expressed confidence that Malaysia could face what lies ahead if Malaysians continued to have faith in one another and remained committed to building a country where future generations could live, contribute and prosper.
G25 wished all Malaysians a Selamat Hari Merdeka. – August 30, 2026
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