Diversity strengthens the unity of Malaysia

KUCHING, Sept. 17: Regional, ethnic, cultural and religious diversity is not a barrier, but rather a force that unites the people as one Malaysian family, said Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.

He said the spirit of tolerance, mutual respect and cooperation should continue to be strengthened in order to ensure that peace and stability of the country remain intact.

"This diversity is what has become the strength of Malaysia and unites us as a family", he said through a recording of his speech broadcast at the 2026 National Level Malaysia Day Convocation at Borneo Kuching Convention Centre (BCCK), last night.

According to him, this year's theme 'MADANI Malaysia: Welfare Enjoyed' reflects the commitment to building a developed, inclusive and harmonious country, as well as ensuring prosperity is shared equally by all people and regions.

Taking Sabah as an example, Hajiji said that the harmony of multi-racial society, religion, tradition and culture must continue to be maintained so that all sections of people can move together and enjoy progress.

"We will continue to maintain this peace and make Malaysia Day a stepping stone to working harder", he said.

In this regard, he called on all the people to celebrate Malaysia Day with a high spirit of patriotism, while ensuring that harmony between races and religions is maintained in order to bring Malaysia including Sabah, towards continued progress and prosperity.