Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to uplifting the dignity of all Malaysian states, with a particular focus on addressing the challenges faced by rural, remote, and poverty-stricken areas. Speaking at the 2024 National Malaysia Day celebration at Padang Merdeka, Anwar emphasized the importance of collaboration between federal and state leaders to ensure the voices and needs of every Malaysian are addressed.
In his speech, Anwar stressed that for Malaysia to prosper, leaders at every level, including the Prime Minister, ministers, and other officials, must prioritize serving all citizens equally, regardless of their backgrounds. “For Malaysia to succeed, whoever holds leadership positions must serve every Malaysian, irrespective of where they come from,” he remarked, highlighting the inclusiveness required for national progress.
The event saw attendance from prominent figures, including the Yang Dipertua Negeri of Sabah, Tun Juhar Mahiruddin, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, and Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. Both Deputy Prime Ministers, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, along with federal and state Cabinet ministers, were also present.
Anwar reiterated his commitment to working closely with state leaders from Sabah and Sarawak, as well as with the Malaysia Agreement Implementation Action Council (MTPMA63) Technical Committee, to address the longstanding concerns surrounding the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). He acknowledged the complexities involved but expressed optimism about resolving these issues through dialogue and mutual respect.
“Since assuming office, I’ve been fortunate to have the support of my trusted friends—the Chief Minister of Sabah and the Premier of Sarawak. Both have been transparent, communicative, and constructive in their feedback,” Anwar said. He added that while these leaders have made demands and expressed concerns, they have always done so with the intention of advancing Malaysia as a whole. “Their spirit of collaboration is something I hope other leaders will emulate,” he stated.
Anwar was keen to dispel any notions that Sabah and Sarawak’s leadership has remained silent on MA63-related matters. On the contrary, he emphasized that their voices have been heard, and their aspirations have been expressed with a focus on fostering national unity and development. “The spirit of unity and the commitment to Malaysia’s success is alive, and that’s what matters most,” he commented.
As the country marked Malaysia Day, Anwar urged all citizens to embrace the values of unity and independence while shunning divisive elements like racism and hatred. He emphasized that the 2024 Malaysia Day theme, ‘Malaysia MADANI: Jiwa Merdeka’, should be understood as a reflection of both the country’s freedom from colonial rule and the ongoing responsibility to elect capable leaders who champion the welfare of the people.
In addition to addressing internal matters, Anwar highlighted Malaysia’s international successes, particularly in the field of sports, which transcends race, religion, or ethnicity. He cited the recent achievements of Malaysian athletes Bonnie Bunyau Gustin and Eddy Bernard at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. Bonnie, hailing from Sarawak, won a gold medal in powerlifting, while Eddy from Sabah secured a bronze medal in the men’s 100 metres T44 category for athletes with physical impairments.
“These athletes made us proud on the global stage, and we never questioned their ethnicity or religion. This is the spirit we need to cultivate—a sense of national pride that transcends individual differences,” Anwar said, stressing the importance of unity in celebrating the nation’s achievements.
In closing, the Prime Minister called upon Malaysians to uphold the values of independence, unity, and mutual respect as the nation continues to grow. He reiterated that true progress could only be achieved when all Malaysians work together for the common good, regardless of race, religion, or regional background.
With the collective efforts of federal and state governments, Anwar expressed confidence that the country could overcome its challenges and move toward a brighter future for all its people.
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