KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 30 (Bernama) -- As Malaysia prepares to celebrate its 68th National Day tomorrow, Cabinet members shared their heartfelt greetings to all Malaysians via social media today, expressing their hopes that this year’s celebrations will further strengthen the nation’s unity and sense of togetherness.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad said independence is not just freedom from colonialism, but the freedom to build a fair, united, and compassionate nation rooted in unity.
“Unity is our strongest defence. Without it, no nation can endure and progress,” he said in a Facebook post.
Dzulkefly added that this year’s National Day theme, "Malaysia MADANI: Rakyat Disantuni," calls on all Malaysians to reject prejudice, foster tolerance, and promote mutual care.
As the minister responsible for the nation's health, he also said independence means freedom from disease, fear of inaccessible healthcare, stigma and the health disparities that hinder individual potential.
“We can take pride in physical and technological progress, but the true value of an independent country is when its people are healthy, prosperous and live with dignity,” he said.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, following the Prime Minister’s National Day address, said the independence enjoyed today is the result of the sacrifices and struggles of many.
“As emphasised by the Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim), efforts to divide the races must be firmly opposed. To achieve national prosperity and well-being, the people must cultivate unity and love for the country,” he said.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail stressed the need to protect independence and maintain peace, assuring the ministry's commitment to safeguarding the safety of the people.
Meanwhile, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar said independence means not only freedom from colonial rule but also from poverty.
“Zakat and wakaf are crucial tools in building a MADANI social network so that no one is left behind,” he said.
Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said that National Day is not just a celebration but a symbol of the sacrifices, struggles and wisdom of past leaders and freedom fighters.
“Let us highlight our responsibility as citizens to defend this independence by strengthening unity and maintaining peace for the nation,” he urged.
National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang, in a Facebook post, said that the country’s independence was achieved not only through the leadership of statesmen such as Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, Tun Tan Cheng Lock, and Tun V.T. Sambanthan, but also by the unwavering courage and sacrifices of the people.
He said the struggle for independence and the country’s development would not have been possible without the contributions of the people, who were the pillars of the nation’s strength.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said that for farmers, paddy farmers, breeders, and fishermen, the joy of independence was not only freedom from colonialism but also the fulfillment of seeing their crops, livestock, and catches provide for the tables of all Malaysians.
“The government will continue to stand by them, ensuring that the agriculture, livestock, and fisheries sectors remain robust, as independence represents not only the right to live but the responsibility to give life to other.
“Let us honour the hard work of farmers, padi farmers, livestock breeders, and fishermen, for in their hands, our independence is preserved. Happy 68th National Day,” he said.
Also extending his National Day wishes, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan urged all parties to remain united to ensure harmony in this blessed homeland and avoid disputes and divisions that could cause harm.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, on the other hand, called on the people to seize this opportunity to honour the spirit of the nation’s founding fathers and national heroes, expressing gratitude for their contributions in conjunction with National Day.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, in extending her National Day wishes, prayed that the peace, prosperity, and harmony enjoyed today would last forever.
Deputy Minister of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Datuk Seri R. Ramanan said that unity represents the true strength of independence, and as long as the people uphold the spirit of togetherness, Malaysia would remain resolute in overcoming any challenges.
“With the theme 'Malaysia MADANI: Rakyat Disantuni’, let us strengthen ties, celebrate diversity, and instill a deep love for the Jalur Gemilang, a symbol of dignity, sovereignty, and the identity of bangsa Malaysia,” he said.
--BERNAMA
