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PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has issued a stern warning against the dangers of racial, religious and regional division, declaring that no nation can endure the consequences of incitement and hate.
Speaking at the Prime Minister’s National Day Address 2025 at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park (MAEPS), he said efforts to sow discord along ethnic or religious lines must be firmly resisted, as such acts threaten the nation's future.
“There is no country that can remain sovereign without the spirit of cooperation, unity and national identity. These values are sometimes forgotten over the centuries,” Bernama cited Anwar saying.
“Malaysia must learn from this. We must never forget that independence was paid for at great cost — in lives, property, and the sacrifices of all communities.”
Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Minister of National Unity Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil and Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari.
Anwar emphasised that Malaysia’s existence is far more important than any ethnic or territorial interest and that national resilience depends on protecting unity.
“Every ethnic group is part of Malaysia’s strength. Together they form a resilient and united people,” he said. “History has shown that nations have fallen when leaders were consumed by racial and linguistic extremism. We must be sensitive to the sentiments of all.”
He also called on the younger generation to reflect on the sacrifices made by national heroes in securing Malaysia’s independence — from early resistance figures such as Mat Kilau and Dato' Maharaja Lela to the nation’s security forces who fought colonialism and communist threats.
“Yes, the number of casualties in our fight for independence may not match the millions lost in Indonesia, Vietnam or Algeria, but we lost thousands of lives,” he said. “So I urge young people to appreciate what we have inherited.”
Turning to the economy, Anwar noted that Malaysia’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 4.4 percent in the second quarter of 2025, despite global uncertainties.
He attributed this to a strategy of “centrality” in diplomacy, particularly in managing relations with both the United States and China amid intensifying trade wars and tariff pressure.
“We maintain good ties with China, and with the United States. Just two weeks ago, I received a call from US President Donald Trump. Tomorrow, after the Merdeka parade, I will travel to China at the invitation of President Xi Jinping,” he said.
“This is Malaysia’s wisdom.”
Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, added that while Malaysia maintains a principled position on issues such as Gaza and humanitarian crises, it must still foster diplomatic relations that support economic growth.
“There are matters on which we disagree, but it is the wisdom of our leadership that we prioritise the nation’s and the people’s interests. If we give in to extremist sentiment — war here, war there — the people suffer,” he said.
“Our firm stance on Gaza and humanitarian issues does not mean we abandon friendships. The economy must be protected.”
He added that the current GDP performance is a reflection of this approach, calling the 4.4 percent growth “a source of pride.”
On fiscal matters, Anwar said Malaysia's declining deficit is evidence of sound governance under the Madani administration.
“When we took over, the deficit was 5.6 percent. In our first year, we brought it down to five percent. Then 4.8 percent. This year, it is 3.8 percent — a record for any developing nation.”
“Yet while reducing the deficit, wages have increased — not the other way around. Spending has also gone up in all states, including those governed by the opposition: Perlis, Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu.”
He acknowledged the national debt remains substantial but said new borrowings have been reduced from RM100 billion to RM70 billion, while salaries, allocations and the Rahmah Cash Aid programme have all been expanded.
“Some people grow tired of hearing me say we inherited over RM1 trillion in debt — but that’s the truth. That includes contingent liabilities, bringing the total to RM1.5 trillion,” he said.
“Malaysia is not bankrupt — but we must manage the country based on key principles. If we are to safeguard prosperity, maintain growth projections, and retain investor confidence, we must reduce the deficit.” - August 30, 2025
