KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim urged Malaysians to embody the true spirit of independence and work together to foster unity and bring progress.
Speaking at the 61st Malaysia Day celebration at Padang Merdeka, Kota Kinabalu, he cited the Maulidur Rasul which coincided with the day that marks Malaysia's formation this year.
"For Muslims, the Prophet Muhammad's birth (Maulidur Rasul), and his hijrah later, symbolises liberation.
"This liberation extends beyond merely breaking free from foreign rule. It also calls for freedom from narrow-mindedness, hatred, and oppression of others, values that align with the spirit of all our religions.
"That is why I link the spirit of the Prophet Muhammad's birth in this context. It is relevant. There is wisdom and there is a uniqueness to this because the Prophet's day of birth and formation of Malaysia, 61 years ago are sacred dates," he said.
The celebration was launched by the Sabah Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Juhar Mahiruddin. It was also attended by the Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, and Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Abang Openg.
Also present were Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
Anwar reminded the people of the sacrifices that came from all ethnic groups and regions before Malaysia could rise as a great nation.
"We must not forget this historical fact. That is why, from the beginning, we allocated substantial defence provisions for Sabah and Sarawak.
"Sarawak faced communist insurgents at the border, and there were intense battles. Sabah too faced similar threats, including the recent incursion in Lahad Datu.
"In the Peninsula, during the Malayan Emergency, some Iban children and Dayak children from Sarawak lost their lives; several children from Sabah, the Kadazan or Dusun, were also killed. In Lahad Datu children from the Peninsula lost their lives," Anwar said.
He also praised Sarawakian athlete Bonny Bunyau Gustin, who won a gold medal in the men's
powerlifting category at the recent Paris Paralympics.
"Likewise, Eddy Bernard, who won a bronze medal in the men's 100m sprint. Coincidentally, he is from Beluran, Sabah.
"We don't care where he comes from. We don't question where he is from, his ethnicity or his religion. We are simply proud that a child of Malaysia achieved something we can be proud of by winning a medal at the Paralympics in Paris."