KOTA KINABALU, June 13, 2026 — Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim today emphasised that Malaysia’s unity in diversity is not self-sustaining and must be actively nurtured through wisdom, patience, and a firm rejection of actions that fracture society.
Speaking at the National Unity Week 2026 celebration at the Likas Sports Complex here, Anwar highlighted the country’s rich multicultural fabric as a source of strength rather than a weakness.
“Unity cannot be taken for granted as something that will last on its own. It must continue to be cultivated with wisdom, patience, and sustained effort, while rejecting all forms of divisive actions,” he said.
Anwar paid tribute to Malaysia’s founding leaders, including Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, and Sabah icons such as Tun Temenggong Jugah, Tun Mustapha Harun, and Tun Fuad Stephens. He credited their visionary leadership with laying a strong foundation for national unity despite the complexities of a plural society.
“History teaches us that Malaysia has been able to remain united in diversity because of visionary leadership that celebrates differences as strength,” he added.
The Prime Minister stressed the need for political maturity and rationality in managing differences, urging Malaysians to place national interests above narrow ethnic, regional, or partisan agendas.
“National cohesion is more important than any singular agenda,” Anwar said, warning against sowing hatred or prioritising narrow interests. He described Malaysia as an “imagined community” built on shared aspirations and called for continuous vigilance against divisive narratives.
Drawing from Islamic principles, he noted that diversity in race, language, and culture is part of divine design intended to promote mutual understanding.
The event, themed “Together Building the Nation-State” and organised by the Ministry of National Unity, saw Anwar interacting warmly with Sabah residents of various ethnic backgrounds.
Anwar’s one-day visit to Sabah also included other community programmes as part of efforts to strengthen the Madani government’s engagement with the state. The National Unity Week runs until June 14.
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