As we celebrate this day in history, we must all remember to play our role and bear the responsibility to maintain peace and unity in our nation.

Today is the 58th anniversary of the formation of ‘Malaysia’– a federation of 13 states spanning the Malay Peninsula, Sarawak, and Sabah.  As a multi-ethnic and multi-religious, Malaysians have grown to be more resilient and progressive as we face the challenges of economic turmoil, political uncertainties and now, the Covid-19 pandemic.

For this, we pay tribute to the wisdom of the nation’s founding fathers who enshrined freedom of religion as well as respect and unity between ethnicities in our Constitution.  Hence, it is the ever-present responsibility of each and every Malaysian to safeguard this country’s future by embracing tolerance, acceptance, respect, and goodwill, so that we can maintain peace and prosperity for generations to come.

Let us remain vigilant to maintain harmlessness to all in our thoughts, speech and actions.  May our love for Malaysia unite us across all ethnicities and religions.  We wish all fellow Malaysians at home and abroad, Happy ‘Malaysia Day’!

PHOTO: The red Hibiscus Rosa Sinensis was declared as Malaysia’s national flower in 1960.  It was so chosen as the hibiscus comes in a variety of shapes and colours, symbolising the diverse ethnicities, cultures, and religions, but are all united by the fives principles of the Rukun Negara as represented by the five petals.