31/08/2025

NATIONAL 2 theSun on Sunday AUG 31, 2025

Do not take independence, unity for granted, says PM

“Show me another country that has done this. If someone earns RM50,000 to RM60,000 a month, surely they can afford to pay a little more. But farmers, fishermen, smallholders and low-income workers will not face higher fuel prices.” Anwar said Malaysia recorded a 4.4% growth in the second quarter of 2025. “Two weeks ago, I received a call from US President Donald Trump. Tomorrow, I will travel to China at the invitation of President Xi Jinping. This reflects Malaysia’s wisdom in safeguarding our people.” – By Qirana Nabilla Mohd Rashidi JELEBU: The government, through relevant agencies, will continue to monitor the current situation in Segamat, Johor following several minor earthquakes, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. He advised people, especially those in the area, not to panic but to remain on alert. “I was told by the Meteorological Department director-general and the Minerals and Geosciences Department director-general that they will continue to monitor the situation.” He was speaking after attending the Program Kembara Merdeka Akar Umbi Negeri Sembilan yesterday. Ahmad Zahid also asked the public to perform the solat hajat and always pray to be free from any calamities. A weak earthquake was recorded again in Segamat yesterday morning with a magnitude of 2.7 on the Richter scale at 7.29am, making it the fifth tremor in eight days in the district. – Bernama Allow people to celebrate Merdeka in their own way: DPM JELEBU: All segments of society, especially the younger generation, should be given the space to express their patriotic spirit in ways that reflect their own interests and preferences, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. He said this could include activities such as motorcycle convoys to celebrate the occasion and strengthen unity among the people. “In the case of youths, we need to understand their tastes, as they are the ones who will carry the future. Their preferences differ from those of the older generation. “If riding kapcai motorcycles is how they choose to show support for the National Day, then we too should join them on their kapcai ,” he said after the Negeri Sembilan grassroots-level Kembara Merdeka programme, which was also attended by state senior exco Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias. He called on Malaysians to set aside political, religious, racial and cultural differences to strengthen unity. Earlier, Ahmad Zahid joined a convoy, riding a motorcycle from Dataran Majlis Daerah Jempol to the Simpang Pertang Bus Terminal. Jalaluddin said the programme featured a Merdeka convoy of 270 motorcycles, accompanied by 25 escort vehicles and 400 youths from across Negeri Sembilan. – Bernama Quake situation being monitored

SERDANG: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reminded Malaysians not to take independence for granted, stressing that the nation’s strength lies in unity and the shared sacrifices of its people. Speaking at the Amanat Perdana Hari Kebangsaan 2025 ceremony yesterday, he said while independence came at a high price, with lives and property lost, it was achieved through the collective contributions of all communities. “History shows that no nation can achieve independence without the spirit of cooperation and renewal. “The contributions of all communities cannot be denied. It is true that the Malays and the Bumiputera were the backbone of this strength but independence was made possible with the support and participation of other communities too, including the Indians, Chinese and others.” Anwar cautioned against divisive rhetoric that pits races, tribes or states against one another, describing it as a betrayal of Malaysia’s founding spirit. “No country can survive if it gives in to incitement and hatred. Our strength today, as in the past, lies in consensus.” Anwar acknowledged his pride in the Malay language and culture but stressed that national unity requires respecting and safeguarding the heritage of all communities. He said many nations had collapsed due to racial, linguistic or religious divisions. “Defend the Malay language but never use it as a weapon to sideline others. Islam must be lived deeply but not at the expense of other religions. He said Malaysia’s identity as a Madani nation must be rooted in property lost, achieved through the collective contributions of all communities’ Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com ‘Merdeka came at a high price, with lives and

Anwar with (from left) Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof and Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari at the event yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC

political will and the people’s sacrifices, we have managed to do so. “Have we been able to stop smuggling? Not yet. It still exists. That is why the spirit of independence means freeing our country from all forms of dishonesty, be it corruption, smuggling or illegal activities.” He added that this year’s Independence Day theme Malaysia Madani, Rakyat Disantuni serves as a reminder that the people must be cared for, with unity as the nation’s foundation. “Using all our strength and machinery, we must ease the people’s burdens, ensure their comfort and put a stop to practices driven by greed that bypass rules and regulations. “We must remain humble even as we take pride in our achievements and power. We must remember that we are servants of the Almighty. No matter how influential or strong we may be, in any department or nation, we are still servants of God.”

compassion, mutual respect and dignity. Anwar said the nation’s multiracial spirit of unity remains one of its greatest achievements, upheld for more than six decades, despite challenges. “I smile with pride at Malaysians, for we have upheld this spirit not just for 10 years, not 20 years but for 68 years. To preserve peace, divisive racial sentiments must be strictly curbed to prevent elements of incitement from influencing the people.” Anwar said the government remains committed to addressing bread-and butter issues such as education, healthcare and the rising cost of living. “Not a single Cabinet meeting passes without us debating these issues. Cost of goods, eggs and chicken affect all of us. These are not ignored.” He highlighted efforts by the government to dismantle cartels and fight smuggling, corruption and entrenched illegal practices. “For decades, no one succeeded in breaking these networks. Today, with

‘Efforts to cut fiscal deficit not made at expense of people’s welfare’ SERDANG: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said despite efforts to narrow the country’s fiscal deficit, allocations for the states and the welfare of the people will continue to see an increase. reduced the fiscal deficit which was 5.6% in 2022 to 3.8% this year. He stressed that lowering the deficit is vital for sustaining prosperity, economic growth and investor confidence both locally and abroad. channelled in aid this year alone.” Anwar reiterated that market-based pricing without subsidies applies only to foreigners and the affluent, while essential items for the people remain protected. continue to claim the government is burdening the people.

“Critics claim the government is cruel and oppressive. But whose subsidies have we withdrawn? Not from the people, but from wealthy corporations making RM200 million to RM1 billion in profits annually. For years, their power bills were subsidised. Now, no more.” Anwar said the government had reduced RON95 petrol to RM1.99 per litre and lowered water tariffs at the government’s expense, but despite these efforts critics

“Some people may feel uneasy whenever I mention that the government inherited more than RM1 trillion in debt, but this is the reality. “Will our children be able to pay if the debt keeps rising to RM1.5, RM1.7 or even RM1.8 trillion? They cannot. That is why governance must rest on strong foundations,” he said at the Amanat Perdana Hari Kebangsaan 2025 event yesterday. Anwar said his administration had

“This is a record for any developing nation. And we did this while still raising salaries, increasing allocations including to states governed by the opposition such as Perlis, Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu. “Previously, new borrowings were RM100 billion. Now, only RM70 billion. Debt remains, but new borrowing is down. At the same time, salaries and allocations have gone up, and RM15 billion has been