PRIME Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said only by having a deep sense of love for Malaysia can the various races continue to work together and be united to defend the nation’s peace and independence.

In his address in conjunction with National Day tomorrow, which was broadcast over local television stations tonight, the prime minister said this was key in efforts to develop Malaysia and safeguard its sovereignty.

“In the context of brotherhood, relatives are cared for; in the context of family, family members are protected; in the context of community, the community is safeguarded; in the context of a nation, racial unity is key; indeed, we are all one family: Keluarga Malaysia (the Malaysian Family), perpetuator of heritage,” he said.

Ismail reminded Malaysians that the fruits and blessings of independence did not merely fall onto our laps, but was achieved through blood, sweat and tears.

“Many lives were lost, as with damage to property and assets in the pursuit of independence,” he said.

Citing Mat Kilau, Dol Said, Tok Janggut, Bahaman, Tok Gajah, Rentap, Maharajalela, Sagor, Haji Abdul Rahman Limbong, Mat Salleh and Rosli Dhobi, the prime minister said they were among the historical figures who sacrificed themselves for their beloved nation.

“Mat Kilau once called for the younger generation to continue the struggle, to not let the nation be forsaken, and not be easily defeated.

“Such a spirit must be instilled in the younger generation in remembrance of our national heroes, in addition to guiding our leaders to the right path according to religious teachings and demands,” he said.

He said it was this fighting spirit that paved the way for the 1956 independence talks in London.

“It is these values of independence that went on to foster unity within a diverse Keluarga Malaysia, as well as a national cultural integration spanning the peninsula, Sabah and Sarawak.

“There are no words to describe our admiration and gratitude for the sacrifices and struggles of our past heroes, including members of our security forces,” he said.

Moving forward, Ismail reminded Malaysians that in modern times, colonisation is no more what it was in the colonial era, and said that if the people are divided and failed to defend the hard-earned independence, history could repeat itself and the nation may find itself colonised once again.

The prime minister said that even though this new form of colonisation is not physical in nature, it is nonetheless dangerous and the easiest way to plunder the minds and identity of the people, and go on to destroy a nation.

“The modern form of colonisation is taking place in the fields of economy, technology and culture. These external elements apply various sophisticated methods to recolonise.”

National Day is back to being celebrated on a grand scale this year after Covid hit the country in 2020, enabling the people to physically participate in the celebrations.

The National Day celebration will be held at Dataran Merdeka from as early as 7am tomorrow, and it will be graced by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah. – Bernama, August 30, 2022.