BY NATASHA JEE & ALEXANDRA LORNA
KUCHING: All Malaysians should make the value of unity as the major asset for ensuring a better future of the country.
The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah said the people should also reduce differences among themselves by bridging the gaps of race and religion.
Speaking to a huge crowd at the launching ceremony of National Unity Week Celebration 2023 held at the Kuching Waterfront on Sunday (May 21), the king also said it was important to uphold the value of unity, while emphasising that unity begins within each household.
“Every citizen of Malaysia should make the value of unity as the main asset for the country’s future.
“At the same time, we must also set aside our differences as Malaysia, bridging the gaps between the people of different races and religions.
“Like the proverb, charity begins at home, so it is appropriate for me to state here that indeed unity begins at home in our country,” he said.
The National Unity Week 2023 organised by the Ministry of National Unity is being held from May 20 to 28. It will also be held in 15 locations across the country including Bertam Square, Penang; Papar Community Hall, Sabah; Dataran Tasik Kluang, Johor and Pantai Balok Recreation Centre, Kuantan, Pahang.
With the theme of ‘Unity in Diversity’, the main objective of organising Unity Week is to foster the spirit of unity and spread knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the diversity of customs and cultures in the Malaysian community.
Earlier, His Majesty’s arrival at 11 am was greeted by the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Also on hand to receive Al-Sultan Abdullah were Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
At the same event, Al-Sultan Abdullah also launched a unity theme song that combines the various dialects in Malaysia entitled Setia Perpaduan.
Also present at the event were Deputy Premiers Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian and Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas; National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang, Minister of Transport Anthony Loke, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, federal and state leaders.
