KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 31 — The meaning of independence must be reflected in people’s lives by ensuring they have access to skills, better employment opportunities and are not left behind in the nation’s development, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said.
Ahmad Zahid said the struggle today was no longer about achieving independence, but ensuring that its true meaning remained alive in the lives of the people.
“As Deputy Prime Minister, to me, independence today means equipping young people with skills, particularly TVET skills, so that they can secure premium-paying jobs in the future,” he said in a National Day video message posted on Facebook today.
He said independence should also create opportunities for small entrepreneurs to grow and enable every family to improve their lives.
The government, he added, must also be there to protect the people during disasters and help them recover and rebuild their lives.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, said his ministry was entrusted with ensuring that national development did not stop at city boundaries but reached every village and rural and remote area.
“Because ultimately, a nation does not become great merely because of what it builds, but because of who it brings along in its development,” he said.
Reflecting on the nation’s journey since independence, he said a single road could transform a village, electricity could bring hope to a modest home, and a small classroom could nurture great aspirations.
He said independence was not merely a date in the history calendar, but a long journey through which a nation builds confidence, determines its future and upholds the dignity of its people.
Ahmad Zahid said independence also meant developing the halal industry, which not only brought pride to Malaysia but also opened markets and livelihood opportunities for Malaysians on the global stage.
“Malaysia is our home. A home bequeathed to us in peace, and it is our responsibility to hand it over to the next generation in a more prosperous, fairer and more equitable condition,” he said.
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof urged Malaysians to free themselves from division, hatred, prejudice and extremism that could undermine the nation’s harmony.
In a Facebook post today, he said independence was not merely freedom from colonial rule but required Malaysians to ensure that its spirit remained alive within themselves and in their daily lives.
“We may differ in religion, culture, language, customs and backgrounds. Yet we share one homeland, one future and one hope - a peaceful, prosperous and harmonious Malaysia for all,” he said in conjunction with the 69th National Day today.
Fadillah said that amid economic and technological changes, global competition, social challenges and the rapid flow of information, Malaysians must not lose their identity, values and spirit of togetherness.
He therefore called on Malaysians to continue safeguarding unity, respecting diversity, upholding the Federal Constitution and the law, and embracing the principles of the Rukun Negara.
Fadillah said the Malaysia Madani spirit called for a nation that was not only advanced in development but also ensured that prosperity and well-being were enjoyed by all sections of society.
“Independence is not only about what we have inherited, but also about what we will leave behind.
“We want to leave future generations a Malaysia that is just, prosperous, peaceful, united and harmonious,” he said.
Fadillah also urged Malaysians to give meaning to independence through their actions by safeguarding unity, respecting differences, preserving harmony, rejecting hatred and carrying out their responsibilities as citizens with integrity.
This year’s National Day celebration is themed “Malaysia Madani: Well-being for All”. — Bernama
