For Datuk Abdul Rashid Harun, respect for each other regardless of ethnicity and being "people of dignity" are essential for nation-building and ensuring Malaysia's sovereignty.
After all, the former Sabah police commissioner knows all about fighting to protect the nation's sovereignty.
With today being Malaysia Day, Rashid reflected on the nation's darkest moment in recent years: the 2013 Lahad Datu intrusion.
It was a dramatic chapter in his career. Serving as the federal police Internal Security and Public Order Department deputy director during Op Daulat, he recounted the perilous moment when he feared for his very life.
He vividly remembers the fraught second day of negotiations with the self-styled Sultanate of the Sulu Crown Prince Agbimuddin Kiram, where his cover was blown and the spectre of death loomed large.
"I volunteered to enter the war zone, but it wasn't easy. The top brass of the force did not agree with my decision as they were afraid that I would become a hostage.
"However, after discussions, I was allowed to go in, though I was told to introduce myself as Sergeant Major Rashid and I would not be allowed to negotiate.
"I first entered Kampung Tanduo on Feb 15. I brought eight cartons of cigarettes, placing four cartons in each of my pockets. I observed a number of intruders there, with the guards equipped with M16 rifles, and I wondered how to count them.
"Then it occurred to me that I could count them in the same way we do zikir with our fingers.
"After calculating them with my hands, I took out the cigarettes and handed them to others until I had finished. On the first day, I counted 79 people," he said.
On the second day (Feb 16), Rashid said he entered the area with Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador, then the Bukit Aman Special Branch deputy director and later, inspector-general of police.
"I didn't go up to talk. I stayed below, distributing cigarettes, and noticed new faces.
"Suddenly, I heard a commotion and Hamid Bador raising his voice. I told myself that this was not good and wondered what I should do.
"At that moment, Datu Piah (Agbimudin's uncle) came down and met six people dressed in Desert Storm uniforms. They were Agbimudin Kiram's bodyguards. In seconds, Datu Piah's and the six bodyguards' eyes were on me.
"Why were they looking at me? My cover was blown because I shook hands with him on Feb 14 while I was in full uniform at the lobby of the Felda Sahabat Residence where I was staying upon landing in Sabah. At that time, I thought to myself, that's it.
"I approached an intruder next to me who had a pistol on his waist and gave him a cigarette. If anything happened, I would push the guy, grab his pistol and shoot Agbimudin.
"Fortunately, things calmed down and we managed to return safely.
"During this meeting, nothing went according to plans, and I thought that would be the end of me."
Rashid said on Feb 27, he received instructions to launch an attack and after discussing and dividing the sectors, it began on March 1 at 10am in an oil palm plantation area.
"(This) was not an ideal location because it was too open. They continued to retreat to a more open area and tried to bait us into following them. Then we stopped.
"How many more people needed to be injured? I was later informed that two people — Assistant Superintendent Zulkifli Mamat and Sergeant Sabaruddin Daud — had been killed, and three others were severely injured. After that, many more operations were conducted."
The conflict was declared over on April 10, 2013.
Rashid emphasised the collective nature of their struggle.
"No hero emerged, each person was crucial to our success. Criticism of the security forces only undermines their sacrifices. One person can't single-handedly wage war."
He said it was crucial for every Malaysian, especially the younger generation, to uphold the pillars of national sovereignty — etiquette and dignity.
"We need to be respectful to maintain the sensitivity of different ethnic groups and our family members.
"We must respect teachers and be mindful of sensitivities among other races. We must uphold our manners. We must have respect for the country. For instance, when we talk about the (national) flag, it should not be stepped on or burned.
"Secondly, dignity is essential. We must be people of dignity. When we have self-respect and understand our own dignity, only then can we speak about the country.
"Only then can we also discuss the dignity of the people, the dignity of leaders and the dignity of everyone else."
Rashid reminded everyone to remain vigilant and not be complacent concerning threats that could undermine sovereignty, whether from outside or within the country.
"A war leader's duty never ceases. My dedication to our nation's safety and sovereignty endures.
"Though some may see me as obsessed, this 'crazy Rashid' is far from finished. My mission continues," he said.