PM Anwar Hopes Spirit Of Independence, Unity Lasts Beyond National Day

31/08/2024 09:30 PM

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 31 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed hope that the spirit of independence and unity displayed during the 2024 National Day celebrations will endure. 

Anwar also hoped that the spirit demonstrated by the people would drive efforts to elevate the nation’s status and dignity to greater heights. 

“Before heading home, (Datuk Seri Dr Wan) Azizah (Wan Ismail) and I took the opportunity to mingle with the parade participants and the public who joined in the 67th National Day celebrations at Dataran Putrajaya.

“I feel extremely proud to share in the patriotism, unity and love for our homeland with all of you on this historic and meaningful day,” he said in a Facebook post today. 

Themed Malaysia MADANI: Jiwa Merdeka, the National Day celebrations, attended by over 100,000 visitors, were enlivened by a parade featuring 17,262 participants, 57 contingents, 22 marching bands, 343 land assets, 37 aerial assets and 112 service animals.

This year’s celebration was graced by the presence of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia and Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, marking Their Majesties’ first appearance at the National Day celebrations since Sultan Ibrahim was sworn in and crowned as the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong on Jan 31 and July 20, respectively.

 Meanwhile, in another Facebook post, the prime minister urged Malaysians not to squander the sacrifices of blood, sweat and tears of the nation's independence fighters.

“What is the value of the independence we’ve enjoyed for 67 years if our minds remain shackled, allowing the same kind of misdeeds that were committed by the colonial rulers we once drove out?

“Let’s put an end to these transgressions and build a society that lives together in true freedom, with a spirit of independence,” he said. 

Anwar said Malaysia has the potential to achieve remarkable success if every Malaysian, regardless of race, unites toward a common goal of elevating the nation’s stature as a strong and respected country on the global stage.

-- BERNAMA