As we celebrate National Day and Malaysia Day, we can reflect on the strides we've made.
Our journey as a nation is marked by triumphs and a spirit of unity that has guided us through challenges.
For decades, Malaysia has enjoyed a remarkable degree of peace and harmony. While we have faced setbacks, most notably in May 1969, our nation has thrived on the strength of our social cohesion.
Sure, there are lapses when narrow-mindedness creeps in, but the prevailing spirit of open-mindedness and inclusivity remains our guiding star.
Think about the freedom we take for granted: the ability to grab a teh tarik or roti canai at any hour without fear.
We don't have to worry about conflicts or dangers that plague other regions.
Our founding father, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra al-Haj, envisioned Malaysia as a model of unity, a vision that still resonates deeply today.
"In each race, there is great wealth, talent, industry, and the ability to work with others in a spirit of tolerance and friendship."
He also said: "Let us bring together all that is best in our races and make Malaysia a model nation of unity and harmony."
This vision remains as relevant as ever. Tunku's emphasis on unity being the cornerstone of our independence and the foundation of our nationhood still guides us.
"Our future depends on how well we manage the diversity that is our heritage and our strength.
"We are all Malaysians. This is the bond that unites us."
Our national identity shines brightly, especially when we're overseas.
There's a unique pride in presenting our deep-red passport, a symbol of our independent and sovereign status. Let's not forget that it was Malaysia that first introduced the world's first smart passport in 1998.
While we've achieved much since 1957 and 1963, the journey is far from complete. We must move beyond symbolic gestures of unity and focus on tangible pro-gress.
The unity government is tackling these issues, but it's crucial to recognise that true national unity requires commitment. Sceptics are aplenty. Fence-sitters even more.
While there may be cynics to affirmative plans, many believe that providing crutches forever may not be good over the long term.
Being cocooned from the grim realities of life may be detrimental to our competitive spirit as many of our neighbours have surpassed us in areas where we once held sway.
The challenge is clear: we must address key areas for improvement, particularly in education and skills development.
History shows us the consequences of neglecting these areas. Nations with robust educational systems and reform — Japan, Germany and China — have surged ahead. It's time we invest in our future with the same vigour.
In addition to educational advancements, we need to champion better governance and accountability. Corruption is a disease that undermines our nation's integrity and wellbeing. Tackling it head-on is essential for building a better Malaysia.
So, as we celebrate our nation's milestones, let's remember that our journey is ongoing.
By embracing unity, investing in education, and demanding good governance, we can build on our successes and create a Malaysia that will shine on the global stage.
The writer is a former Bernama chief executive officer and editor-in-chief