KUALA LUMPUR, May 1 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has stressed that workers are the primary catalyst in creating a great and competitive nation.
Every individual who works, whether in factories, government departments, clinics, schools, police stations, or any sector, plays an important role in driving change and achieving national success.
"This country still faces various challenges. Our days are faced with major issues such as the crisis in Palestine and global uncertainties, including the arbitrary actions of great powers such as the United States.
"However, we can still progress if everyone works diligently, sincerely and with full commitment. No matter which sector, workers who hold on to the values of sincerity and faith in the country will definitely contribute to the formation of a great nation," he said.
Anwar was delivering his special message during the 2025 National Labour Day celebration at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil today.
He added that the Madani government is also determined to continue elevating the dignity of workers in this country to a much higher level, regardless of their racial background, skin colour, or religious beliefs.
Anwar also reminded the workers not to allow the elements of division stemming from racial differences and political beliefs to continue to haunt this country, thus hindering productivity and services.
“The government and I are committed to defending the fate of all workers, even though the majority are Malays, the fate of Chinese, Indian, Dayak, and Kadazan-Dusun children cannot be marginalised. We will treat workers at various levels fairly, right down to the lowest ranks.
“Every day we read news about racial disputes, but this will not take us anywhere. On the contrary, understanding, unity and the spirit of togetherness between people of various races are the keys to taking the country towards greater progress,” he said.
At the event, Anwar also launched the Madani Workers card and the MyFutureJobs smartphone app.
Themed 'Pekerja Kesuma Bangsa', the 2025 Labour Day Celebration was enlivened by the presence of more than 10,000 public and private sector workers from various fields.
Attending the event were Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, and other Cabinet ministers.
Also present were the Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar and the secretaries-general of ministries, as well as heads of agencies including Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin.
This year’s celebration also saw Bernama named the Best Media Award (Agency), in addition to 12 other awards presented, including in the categories of workers, employers, unions, media and contingents.
For the first time, the special song 'Solidariti Perjuangan,' sung by Steven Sim, was played at the celebration as an expression of appreciation for the workers.
— Bernama
