Only by having a deep sense of love for Malaysia can the various races continue to work together and remain united to defend the nation’s peace and Independence, Ismail Sabri Yaakob said.
In his address in conjunction with National Day tomorrow which was broadcast over local television stations tonight, the prime minister said this was key in the effort towards developing Malaysia and safeguarding its sovereignty.
“In the context of brotherhood, relatives are cared for; in the context of family, family members are protected; in the context of community, the community is safeguarded.
“In the context of a nation, racial unity is key. Indeed, we are all one family, Keluarga Malaysia (Malaysian Family),” he said.
Recalling history, Ismail Sabri reminded Malaysians that the fruits and blessings of Independence did not fall onto our laps but was achieved through blood, sweat and tears.
“Many lives were lost, as with damage to property and assets in the pursuit of Independence,” he said.
Citing the names of Mat Kilau, Dol Said, Tok Janggut, Datuk Bahaman, Tok Gajah, Rentap, Datuk Maharajalela, Datuk Sagor, Haji Abdul Rahman Limbong, Mat Salleh and Rosli Dhobi, the prime minister said they were among the historical figures who sacrificed themselves for their beloved nation.
“Mat Kilau once called for the younger generation to continue the struggle, not let the nation be forsaken and not be easily defeated.
“Such spirit must be instilled in the younger generation to remember our national heroes, in addition to guiding our leaders towards the right path according to religious teachings and demands,” he said.
Ismail Sabri said it was such a fighting spirit and struggles that manifested and paved the way for the 1956 Independence talks in London.
“It is these values that successfully went on to foster unity within a diverse Keluarga Malaysia of various races and religions, besides national cultural integration that spans across the Peninsula, Sabah and Sarawak.
“There are no words that can describe our admiration and gratitude for the sacrifices and struggles of our past national heroes, including members of our security forces – the military and police,” the Bera MP said.
Ismail Sabri reminded Malaysians that in modern times, colonisation is no longer like the bygone era.
He added that if the people are disunited and fail to defend the Independence won through the heroic struggles of yesteryear heroes, history could repeat itself and the nation may find itself being colonised once again.
New era ‘colonisation’
The prime minister said that even though this new form of colonisation is not physical in nature, it is dangerous nevertheless and the easiest way to plunder (cause damage to) the minds and identity of the people - and go on to destroy a nation.
“This modern era of colonisation which has not spared nations is colonisation in the fields of economy, technology and culture. These external elements apply various sophisticated methods to recolonise us,” Ismail Sabri said.
National Day is back to being celebrated on a grand scale this year after the nation was hit by COVID-19 in 2020, thus allowing people to physically participate in the celebrations.
The National Day celebration will be held at Dataran Merdeka, starting as early as 7am tomorrow, and it will be graced by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah and his consort, Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah.
In paying homage to the Agong, the prime minister said His Majesty is the protector of the nation and unites the people regardless of race, religion and political leaning.
“Alhamdullilah (Praise be to God), this year, Keluarga Malaysia nationwide will have the opportunity to celebrate National Day on a grand scale as one harmonious and prosperous society,” he said.
- Bernama
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