Kuala Lumpur: Sabah and Sarawak must continue to be recognised as full and equal partners in Malaysia, with the wellbeing of communities across the Federation remaining a national priority, said unity advocate Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye (pic).
In his Malaysia Day 2026 message, Lee said no state or community should feel left behind in the country’s development, particularly Sabah and Sarawak.
“Sabah and Sarawak, in particular, must continue to be full and equal partners in our Malaysian journey, while the wellbeing of every community across the Federation must remain a national priority,” he said.
Lee said Malaysia’s diversity in terms of race, religion, culture and background should be regarded as a source of strength, mutual respect and national pride rather than a cause of division.
He said the country was facing various challenges, including economic uncertainties, rising living costs, social divisions, misinformation and a rapidly changing world.
“These challenges demand that Malaysians stand together rather than allow differences to pull us apart,” he said.
Lee said unity must go beyond being a slogan and should instead be reflected in how Malaysians treated one another, resolved differences and shared the nation’s opportunities and responsibilities.
He said prosperity should also be meaningful and inclusive, with economic growth translating into better livelihoods, quality jobs, affordable living, safer communities and greater opportunities for all Malaysians regardless of race, religion, region or background.
Lee said the Government had a responsibility to govern with integrity, fairness and accountability, while the people also had a role to play in preserving harmony, respecting the law, rejecting extremism and misinformation, and contributing positively to society.
He urged Malaysians to use Malaysia Day as an opportunity to renew their commitment to building a united, peaceful, inclusive and prosperous nation.
“Let us therefore make Malaysia Day a renewed pledge: that we will protect our unity, strengthen our social fabric and work together to build a prosperous Malaysia where no one is left behind,” he said.
Lee said Malaysia’s diversity was its identity, while unity remained its strength and shared prosperity its common destiny.
He conveyed his Malaysia Day 2026 greetings to all Malaysians and expressed hope that the country would continue to be a nation of peace, unity, dignity and prosperity for all.
