Cabinet ministers call on Malaysians to strengthen unity, preserve harmony and uphold the spirit of independence as the nation celebrates its 69th National Day
KUALA LUMPUR: Members of the Cabinet extended their 69th National Day greetings to all Malaysians today via their respective social media platforms, while urging the people to continue strengthening unity, preserving harmony and defending the nation’s independence.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said the nation’s independence must be safeguarded through a spirit of unity, mutual respect and togetherness, regardless of race, religion or background.
“Malaysia’s strength has always been in its united people,” she said in a Facebook post. Azalina also expressed hope that Malaysia would continue to achieve success, enjoy peace and prosperity, and move forward as a stronger nation for future generations.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, meanwhile, said Aug 31 is an opportunity for the people to reflect on the nation’s long journey.
He said the previous generation fought for the nation’s independence 69 years ago, and it is now the people’s responsibility to uphold that legacy by maintaining peace and fostering unity.
“We may differ in race, religion and background, but we share one homeland and one love for Malaysia,” he said.
Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said National Day is not merely about commemorating the history of independence, but also a moment for everyone to appreciate the blessings of living in a peaceful, multiracial country rich in diversity.
“From cities to villages, from the Peninsula to Sabah and Sarawak, we all share the same homeland and the same future,” he emphasised.
Alexander called on the people to continue preserving unity, respecting one another, and playing their respective roles in building a more progressive, prosperous and inclusive Malaysia.
Meanwhile, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Senator Dr Zulkifli Hasan said independence is not merely about waving flags or cheering at an event. It is a sacred trust from Allah, as well as faith and sacrifice that demands real justice for all the people.
He said the National Day message delivered by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stirred deep reflection, as it recalled the firm resolve and struggles of the nation’s founding figures, including the country’s first Prime Minister, the late Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, who asserted that independence was not easily won and demanded great sacrifice.
Zulkifli quoted the words of independence fighter, the late Dr Burhanuddin Al-Helmy, on cultivating a spirit of true independence and defending rights and justice.
He also shared a verse by National Laureate Datuk Seri Dr A. Samad Said, which touched on the role of the learned generation in sustaining life and the nation’s independence, as well as learning to live together.
Zulkifli said that in interpreting the true meaning of independence amid the global energy crisis, the MADANI Government continues to translate its mandate through measures to address the cost of living and safeguard the wellbeing of the people.
These measures include expanding the eligibility for BUDI MADANI to ensure fairer subsidy distribution, as well as providing infrastructure allocations for inclusive education across all types of schools without leaving anyone behind.
He said the government has also provided free subscriptions to AI applications to empower the younger generation, while accelerating healthcare services by reducing waiting times at government clinics and hospitals.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh also extended her 69th National Day greetings to all Malaysians via a Facebook post, accompanied by three shouts of “Merdeka”.
Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir said the patriotic spirit was clearly evident as people began filling Dataran Putrajaya as early as yesterday evening, reflecting their deep love for the country.
“I consider this a truly lively and well-attended celebration. Earlier, I witnessed the spirit shown by Malaysians from all walks of life. Every corner was filled with people. This is the spirit we want to cultivate,” he said after attending the 2026 National Day celebration here today.
Zambry also extended his congratulations to all Malaysians for the spirit of independence and patriotism displayed during the celebration.
National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang, meanwhile, said the unity on display today was truly remarkable and is a manifestation of the government’s aspiration to build a harmonious society.
Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said the National Day celebration serves as a clear example of how Malaysians from various backgrounds, religions and cultures can come together to celebrate and advance the nation.
“The diversity that we see in Malaysia is something that the entire world looks at as a success… This is something that we should always cherish, uphold and build further as we move ahead.
“Today is a classic example of how Malaysians can come together and demonstrate to the world that we are able not just to govern our own country, but to govern it well,” he said.
In line with the 2026 National Day and Malaysia Day (HKHM) theme, “Malaysia MADANI: Kesejahteraan Dinikmati”, this year’s celebration reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to building a progressive, harmonious and prosperous nation, regardless of background.
The parade and march-past involved 76 contingents, 22 brass bands and 11 decorated floats, with 10,819 individuals from various government agencies, security forces, uniformed bodies, government-linked companies, school students, higher education institutions and civil society representatives.
For the first time, the celebration also featured the Johor Royal Guard, the SEA Games 2027 contingent, and the Orange Economy Sustainability cluster contingent.
