KUALA LUMPUR – On the eve of Malaysia Day, several leaders in the country expressed hope that the celebration can become a platform to unify the people, as well as rekindle the patriotic spirit.
Communications and Multimedia Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa in a tweet said that September 16 is a meaningful date for the “Malaysian Family”.
“Malaysians in every corner of the country continue to prove there is no place more fortunate than Malaysia. Happy Malaysia Day!” he tweeted.
16 September, tarikh yang amat bermakna buat kita #KeluargaMalaysia . Rakyat Malaysia di setiap pelusuk tanah air terus membuktikan kenapa tiada bumi yang lebih bertuah daripada bumi Malaysia.
— Annuar Musa (@AnnuarMusa) September 15, 2021
Selamat Hari Malaysia!??❤ pic.twitter.com/9ckefwwHpq
National Unity Minister Datuk Halimah Mohamed Sadique in an address tonight called on the people to unite and work together, as a Malaysian family, to overcome the Covid-19 pandemic.
Halimah said Covid-19 has brought its own challenges to all sections of society, and the struggle to stop the spread of the disease will not be successful without the cooperation of all parties.
Rural Development Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid also chimed in on Twitter, calling on the people to work together and be united in pushing the country to the pinnacle of success in all fields.
Deputy Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Zahidi Zainul Abidin invited Malaysians to appreciate the struggles and historic moments of the country’s establishment, and hoped that Malaysia will continue to remain prosperous and recover from the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Malaysia Day is not just a celebration but a historic moment that we must remember and cherish to appreciate the sacrifices of the country’s fighters who have contributed a lot in the establishment of this sovereign nation,” he said in a post on social media.
Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Azhar Azizan Harun also reminded Malaysians to continue adhering to standard operating procedures (SOPs) to curb the spread of the pandemic.
Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Saarani Mohamad said, in line with the spirit of the country’s independence, the people should strengthen their resolve and determination to continue to fight to free themselves, their families and the community from the threat of Covid-19.
“Even though there are certain relaxations announced by the government, I hope it is not used as an excuse for us to feel too comfortable, let alone take it easy. There are still SOPs that we need to follow and there are areas in our state that are still under the enhanced movement control order (EMCO),” he said in an address.
Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said some of the flexibility given to the state under Phase 2 of the National Recovery Plan has pleased many parties and allowed people to reflect deeper on the meaning and importance of Malaysia Day.
Amirudin also reminded the people of Selangor of the need to live with Covid-19 as endemic, and hoped that the state folk remain collectively responsible by taking care of their health and becoming exemplary citizens.
In Labuan, Senator Datuk Bashir Alias called on Malaysians to be united and appreciate the blessings of peace and independence to ensure continued harmony, and avoid strife and division. – Bernama, September 15, 2021