Let us strengthen our national cohesion by upholding integrity and embracing unity in diversity.

Today, 30 million Malaysians home and abroad celebrate the 58th anniversary of our country’s independence.  Arguably, much progress has been achieved since 1957, when the Federation of Malaya first took its nascent steps towards building a peaceful, prosperous and harmonious future.

However, a number of essential factors in successful nation-building are still under-developed, such as the strengthening of democratic institutions, ensuring social justice, putting in place a transparent system of good governance, and providing quality education.  Ethnic and inter-religious harmony is still periodically threatened by insensitive actions of certain individuals and groups who have no regards for the rights of ordinary Malaysians to live peacefully according to their traditions and beliefs.

Therefore, this ‘Hari Merdeka’ (Independence Day), Nalanda calls for a concerted effort by the government, public sector, civil society and every Malaysian to strengthen our national cohesion by respecting the tenets of integrity, accountability, fairness, and unity in diversity.  Let us work within the constitutional framework and in the spirit of our founding-fathers to achieve greater heights for our nation.  Dirgahayu Malaysia!

“Love for Malaysia is not proven by the display of ‘Jalur Gemilang’ (national flag) in our houses or offices.  Love for Malaysia means to abide by our nation’s laws, to respect our national institutions, to care for our natural environment, and to care for the common rights of all Malaysians.

“Should we Malaysians love our nation, and should we cultivate and exhibit wisdom and integrity always, then perhaps, our country’s great promise can be fulfilled.” – Bro. Tan, Nalanda Founder (August, 2012).