Malaysia celebrates 65th independence anniversary

Malaysia on Wednesday celebrated its 65th anniversary of its independence with large-scale celebrations after two years of muted celebrations due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tens of thousands of citizens joined the celebration of the National Day held at the historical Dataran Merdeka, or Independence Square, in Kuala Lumpur.

Malaysian King, Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob and other government officials, watched the parade at the square, which included the marching contingent of members of the country’s armed forces.

The National Palace in a statement on the eve of the anniversary, said social solidarity, national integration and racial unity are keys to national harmony, prosperity, and well-being.

The statement read: “It is a shared responsibility of all to not only preserve and protect national harmony that we have enjoyed so far but also to nurture it among ourselves as a Malaysian Family.

“If the people stay united, play their roles and hold fast to the keys, then we will be able to curb those groups or extremists who sow seeds of divisiveness and fan the flames of racism to cause disharmony in the country for personal gain.”

The prime minister enjoined Malaysians to continue to work together and remain united to defend the nation’s peace and independence.

According to him, “In the context of brotherhood, relatives are cared for; in the context of family, family members are protected; in the context of community, the community is safeguarded; in the context of a nation, racial unity is key; indeed, we are all one family.”