PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has underlined the importance of "Merdeka", saying it meant more than just being free from the shackles of colonialism.
"Many countries achieve independence but they do not necessarily have an independent spirit," he said in his National Day address.
"The leadership changes and the colonial masters are replaced by local leaders.
"But there are times when the local leaders are reckless, arrogant, corrupt and greedy like the people they replaced."
Anwar said for a country to have an "independent spirit", it must produce leaders who have the aspirations and ambitions of the people at heart.
He said the Madani government respected the contributions of its past leaders but it also acknowledged that in the past some leaders have crossed the line in the name of maintaining power.
"This must not be allowed to continue."
"We want to put an end to this and create a new culture of responsible leadership, where leaders cannot plunder the nation's wealth or abuse their power."
"What is the meaning of independence when every year (when) thousands of children line up waving the flag (Jalur Gemilang) shouting 'Merdeka', yet our hearts and minds are possessed because we allow and the system permits (misconducts).
"We must learn from history... blind to history, blind in heart, blind to feelings, and blind to human qualities, which will cause this country to face incitement, envy, betrayal, allowing excesses of corruption and misconduct.
"When the situation reaches a severe and damaged state, it will not be easily repaired," he said.
Meanwhile, he hopes that this year's National Day celebrations will serve as a starting point for all citizens to unite and elevate the country into a great nation.
He said Malaysia, as an independent country, has significant potential that can be realised if all its citizens unite.
"What is lacking in our country is awareness, enlightenment, the ability to attract investment, and improving the education system for everyone, from the wealthiest to the poorest.
"Therefore, no one should be marginalised, as the spirit of unity is crucial and cannot be underestimated," he said.
Also present were Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang and Chief Secretary to the Government Datuk Seri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.