Being Malaysian, to me, is more than carrying a Malaysian identity on a passport. It is about belonging to a country where differences do not have to divide us, but can become the very reason we are stronger together.
I see Malaysia in the simple things around us: a plate of nasi lemak shared at breakfast, laksa enjoyed in different states, the sound of different languages and dialects in the same coffee shop, and families celebrating Hari Raya, Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Kaamatan, Gawai and Christmas with their own traditions while respecting those of others.
But being Malaysian goes beyond food and festivals.
It is the gotong-royong spirit — helping one another without asking first where we come from. It is the neighbour who shares food, the stranger who stops to help when a car breaks down, and communities coming together when floods or other difficulties strike.
For me, Malaysia is also Sabah.
Being from Sabah reminds me that Malaysia is much bigger than the peninsula. Our identity is shaped by the sea, mountains, indigenous communities, migration, trade and centuries of interaction between different peoples. From Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan, Tawau, Lahad Datu and the interior, Sabah contributes its own unique voice to the Malaysian story.
Perhaps that is what makes being Malaysian special: we are not Malaysian because we are the same; we are Malaysian because we have learned to belong together despite our differences.
As we celebrate Merdeka and Malaysia Day, I believe the spirit of Malaysia Kita should not simply be about remembering our past. It should also be about asking what kind of Malaysia we want to build for the next generation — a Malaysia that is more inclusive, connected, educated, prosperous and fair, where every child, regardless of where they are born, can believe that they have a place and a future.
Being Malaysian means saying “this is our country” — not “my country” or “your country”, but our Malaysia.
That, to me, is the true meaning of #MalaysiaKita.
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Ramli Amir (ramgold@gmail.com) is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
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