Ethnic And Cultural Diversity Serves As Bridge For National Unity, Says Aaron

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 15 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is built on racial, religious, cultural, and ethnic diversity, which is a unique strength and the country's most valuable asset, said National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang.

In his message in conjunction with the 62nd Malaysia Day, he said that diversity is not a dividing gap, but rather a unifying bridge that enriches Malaysia's identity as a harmonious multiracial country.

“From the Peninsular, we have the Malays, Chinese, and Indian communities who have worked long together to develop our homeland. In Sabah, we have over 30 ethnic groups and hundreds of sub-ethnic groups such as the Kadazan-Dusun, Bajau, Murut, Rungus, and many more that enrich the state's cultural heritage.

"Meanwhile, in Sarawak, this diversity is evident through the Iban, Bidayuh, Melanau and Orang Ulu communities, as well as various other ethnic groups rich in customs and traditions," he said.

In simple terms, he said Malaysia can be likened to a salad bowl of various vegetables and sauces of different flavours, but when combined, they create a unique and balanced deliciousness.

Regarding the history of Malaysia’s formation in 1963, Aaron said great figures such as Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, Tun Tan Cheng Lock, Tun V. T. Sambanthan, Tun Abdul Razak Hussein, Tun Mustapha Harun, Tun Fuad Stephens, and Tun Abdul Rahman Ya'kub were the main pillars who led the negotiations and united the voices of the people.

However, he emphasised that the formation of Malaysia was also the result of the sacrifices and courage of the common people who were the driving force of the struggle, contributing their energy, time, and lives so that this country could stand as an independent nation.

Aaron said that among those to remember are Temenggung Jugah Anak Barieng from Sarawak, who played an important role in expressing the people's support for the state's entry into Malaysia, and Sedomon Gunsanad Kina from Sabah, who strongly asserted the importance of protecting the state's rights and position within the Malaysian concept.

"I decided to share this story because it aligns perfectly with this year's National Day theme,“Malaysia MADANI: Rakyat Disantuni”, which emphasises that the people are truly the backbone of the nation's strength.

"Without the contribution of the people, whether small or large, the struggle for Malaysia's independence and development today would not have been possible," he said.

Aaron also reminded the public to be vigilant against the new challenges of the digital era that could undermine the foundation of unity by sowing hatred, subtle polarisation and slander.

“In this regard, I urge all Malaysians to be wiser and more prudent in using social media. Let us not be conduits for fake news; let us not be spreaders of hate speech," he added.

-- BERNAMA