Malaysia Day is more than a celebration of the country’s formation. It is also a time to reflect on the shared values, experiences and aspirations that bind Malaysians together despite differences in race, religion, language and background.
Marked annually on Sept 16, the occasion provides an opportunity to look beyond these differences and consider what it means to be Malaysian, as well as the role individuals can play in shaping the nation and contributing to its progress.
For some Malaysians, that contribution takes the form of advancing science and research, while for others, it lies in promoting the country’s diversity, pursuing knowledge or representing Malaysia on the international stage.
Their stories offer different perspectives on identity, resilience and the responsibility of carrying Malaysia’s name beyond its shores.
DIVERSITY, RESILIENCE AND THE MALAYSIAN SPIRIT
Scientist Dr Mahaletchumy Arujanan said Malaysia’s diversity is its greatest strength.
Having travelled to many countries, she said Malaysia remained unique because of its diversity and history.
She said while other countries might be better off in areas such as the economy or employment, those advantages could not compensate for Malaysia’s social fabric and culture.
“I cannot imagine myself waking up to a homogenous society and listening to one language all the time. I need the multilingual background and the different genetic makeup of our society. It is so enriching and refreshing,” she told Bernama recently.
For her, being Malaysian also means enjoying the security, stability and international standing associated with the country.
“Being Malaysian also means flaunting my strong passport at airports. It is not a joke. It shows our strong economy, stability and great bilateral ties with almost every other country.
“I do not have to worry about shootings in public places, and I can be out and feel safe past midnight. I enjoy the subsidies, and I can practise my beliefs in peace. If we start looking at the positives, the negatives really look small,” she said.
Mahaletchumy, who is Executive Director of the Malaysian Biotechnology Information Centre (MABIC), said resilience had been central to her career, particularly as much of her work was carried out under a not-for-profit organisation without substantial financial and institutional support.
“Every step forward was built on resilience, hard work, creativity, going the extra mile and taking uncharted paths. I am also lucky to have many supporters, mentors and sponsors who believed in my path and initiatives,” she said.
She also said that science, technology and innovation (STI) could not be developed overnight, as progress also depended on policies, regulations, investment, business, ethics and talent development.
On Malaysia’s diversity, she said it was itself a unifying force, with more than 300 languages and 200 distinct ethnic groups contributing different skills, cultures, food, indigenous knowledge and strengths.
“Now imagine if we put all these together to build the nation. Someone’s weakness is negated by another’s strength. Our culture, food and architecture become attractions for tourism and ways to build new economies,” she said.
She also stressed the importance of science literacy, saying Malaysia’s ambition to become a high-income, technology-developing nation depended on the strength of its STI sector.
“For that, everyone must be science literate, from the public to students, teachers, media, policymakers, politicians, religious scholars, farmers, investors and industry players, just anyone,” she said.
Her message to young Malaysians from disadvantaged backgrounds is equally direct: seek opportunities, upskill, build networks and ask for support.
“Our country has opportunities. They may not come knocking on your door, but if you seek them or even create them, you can create your own path. I am not saying it is easy, but it is doable.
“Dream big, upskill, network, speak up and ask for support,” she said.
PUTTING MALAYSIAN SCIENCE ON THE WORLD STAGE
Universiti Malaya (UM) academic Dr Lee Yee Qing believes the achievements of Malaysian researchers reflect the capabilities of the country’s scientific community.
Her journey reflects another way Malaysians can contribute to the country’s standing internationally.
She made history as the first Malaysian scientist to receive the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH) Young Investigator Award, describing the recognition as a tremendous honour and humbling experience.
She attributed the achievement to years of dedication, curiosity and perseverance, as well as the support of mentors, collaborators, her institution and the wider Malaysian scientific community.
Lee said Malaysian researchers possessed strengths including resilience, adaptability and an understanding of the health and scientific challenges facing the region.
Malaysia’s diverse society also provides valuable experience in working across different communities, disciplines and perspectives.
“Ultimately, I think our greatest strength is our people -- passionate, hardworking and adaptable researchers who are committed to conducting high-quality research and using it to address real-world challenges,” she said.
She believes Malaysian researchers can contribute not only through their research but also by building collaborations, sharing knowledge and mentoring younger scientists.
Lee hopes Malaysia will continue to value science, evidence, innovation and research while creating more opportunities for young Malaysians to develop their talents.
Over the next 10 to 20 years, she hopes the country will develop a stronger and more collaborative scientific and medical ecosystem, with universities, research institutions, hospitals, government agencies and industry working more closely to translate research into solutions that benefit society.
CARRYING MALAYSIA’S NAME BEYOND ITS SHORES
At 34, Muhammad Azmeer Muhammad is a lecturer pursuing a PhD in architecture at Kazan Federal University (KFU) in Russia. Living thousands of kilometres from home has given him a deeper appreciation of what it means to be Malaysian.
Originally from Shah Alam, Selangor, he said introducing himself as a Malaysian overseas came with a sense of responsibility to represent the country positively.
“Every time I introduce myself as a Malaysian, I feel a responsibility to show the international community that Malaysia is a country rich in culture, knowledge, tolerance and diversity,” he said.
Living in Kazan has also made him appreciate Malaysia’s multicultural society in a different way.
What may seem ordinary at home -- Malays, Chinese, Indians and people from other communities living, studying, working and celebrating together -- becomes more meaningful when viewed from thousands of kilometres away.
“When you are abroad, you realise how special that experience actually is,” he said.
Azmeer said his experience abroad had also strengthened his appreciation for Malaysian food, the warmth of its people, Bahasa Malaysia and celebrating festive occasions with family and friends.
For Mahaletchumy, however, nation-building ultimately begins with every individual doing their part.
“At the individual level, we need to play our roles, however small, to elevate our nation in terms of its image, economy, literacy, unity, political stability and environmental sustainability,” she said.
She urged Malaysians to be dedicated to their work, understand the country’s history and appreciate the contributions and sacrifices of every community.
“Be good at what you do. Let us not compete among ourselves, but compete with others outside Malaysia.
“Let us not fight over how to share our economic pie. Let us put our actions together to expand the pie so everyone can have more,” she emphasised.
For Mahaletchumy, Lee and Azmeer, being Malaysian extends beyond geographical borders.
It is reflected in the diversity they embrace, the work they do, the knowledge they share and the way they carry Malaysia’s name wherever they go.
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