ANWAR Ibrahim today delivered his maiden National Day address as the prime minister, underscoring the importance of unity in safeguarding the country’s independence on the road to transforming it into a great nation. 

He said Malaysia has an abundant workforce that could become technology experts and professionals capable of competing globally.  

“Between ambition and hope, the country must unite and formulate a sustainable Madani economy and guarantee justice for its multi-racial and multi-religious people.  

“Let’s take advantage of the time we have left in our lives to serve ourselves, our family, and our community and be assured that this is no ordinary nation. This country has rich and bountiful resources,” he said when addressing a crowd of over 7,000 people at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre today. 

Also present at the event – broadcast live on local television – were the two deputy prime ministers, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Fadillah Yusof, other cabinet ministers, senior government officials, community representatives, and students. 

Anwar said one of the conditions needed to meet those aspirations was a society that was “independent” and free from colonialist, outmoded thinking. 

The prime minister said to ensure Malaysia progresses, all levels of society must push forth with a “spirit of freedom” by not allowing themselves to be exploited and not becoming tools of the elite bent on making gains that harmed the country. 

In addition, he said unity among the races was vital in ensuring Malaysia emerged as a great nation in this century after a mediocre performance over the past 20 years.  

Anwar said the unity government guaranteed the rights of all Malaysians would be defended but added that matters enshrined in the Constitution, such as Bumiputera rights and privileges, and Islam as the federal religion, would continue to be defended. 

“We have to defend this spirit, that this country belongs to all the people. This unity (needs) to be nurtured to guarantee its future from now on,” he said. 

Anwar said education is important to produce a generation of experts in various fields and transform Malaysia into a great nation. 

He gave his assurance that all schools would be equipped with reasonable standard basic infrastructure by the end of the year.  

“Malaysia must be known for its guarantee of justice for all its citizens, including the marginalised,” he said.  

Reminding Malaysians of the independence the country enjoyed for the past six decades, Anwar said the challenge faced today is to unite people. 

Anwar honoured the country’s freedom fighters and security forces, especially the Royal Malaysia Police and the Malaysian Armed Forces by saying the current peace enjoyed would have been impossible without them. 

“Just like how it was when we faced insurgents in Lahad Datu, and before that the Indonesian Confrontation and communist threats, we will deal with it, although small episodes (of security threats) still happen now and then and there are border claims; we will defend every inch of our beloved Malaysia,” he said. – Bernama, August 30, 2023.