Aida Nyan
SHAH ALAM, Sept 1 — Selangor Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari has urged Malaysians to safeguard unity and reflect on the true meaning of independence as the nation marks its 68th National Day.
He said the spirit of the Rukun Negara must be viewed not just as five guiding principles but as objectives that reinforce harmony and resilience.
“The first objective is to educate and defend unity among our people. Unity is the foundation that has guaranteed our success all this time.
“Whether it was the 1969 racial riots, the economic crises of 1985 and 1998, the political crises of 2003 and 2004, or the Covid-19 pandemic from 2020 to 2022, the people stood together to defend the dignity of the nation,” he said when launching the state-level Kampung Tradisi Merdeka Expo 2025 at Sungai Besar Stadium yesterday.
Amirudin said the political stalemate after the 15th General Election also showed how leaders chose to set aside differences and form a unity government for the sake of stability.
“When GE15 produced no clear winner, leaders agreed it was time to stop clashing and instead unite so that the people would not be left in confusion,” he said.
He added that unity has made Malaysia stable and earned global confidence, citing official visits such as that of China’s president and the hosting of international conferences.
“Previously, the rising cost of rice, chicken and eggs worried the people. Today, the state and federal governments are united, and prices of essential goods have stabilised, making them affordable again,” he said.
The Menteri Besar also urged Malaysians not to be swayed by viral culture, slander or fake news that could threaten stability.
“Freedom does not mean doing anything you like, but the ability to think clearly and responsibly. If a piece of news is false, don’t share it. If you make a mistake, apologise sincerely.”
Amirudin said this year’s National Day spirit should bind Malaysians together as the country prepares to mark its 100th anniversary of independence in 2057.
“Let us stand shoulder to shoulder to uplift the nation with pride and happiness, and build a Malaysia that is strong for everyone, a Selangor that is good for all, and a Malaysia that is strong for all.”
