IT’S heartwarming every time Malaysian spectators cheer our athletes at the Kuala Lumpur Sea Games. The cheers grow louder when Malaysian athletes win a medal.
I’m touched by the sporting spirit and unity shown by Malaysians.
Supporters cheer for Malay-sian athletes without caring whether they are Malays, Chinese, Indians, Iban, Kadazan or other ethnic groups.
The same spirit was shown when our badminton heroes, such as the Sidek brothers and Datuk Lee Chong Wei, competed.
As our national contingent continues winning medals to remain in the top spot, I hope we could have more moments of unity such as this.
The Sea Games prove that sports unite people. The same spirit was shown at national and international-level games in the country.
But what is important is to ensure that the display of unity goes beyond sports and is embraced by Malaysians.
At the games’ opening on Aug 19, we could see Malaysians celebrating the colourful event steeped in tradition.
The majestic performance that highlighted cultural diversity and local arts received a thunderous applause from the crowd.
It is important to maintain the same spirit when we celebrate the 60th National Day on Aug 31 and 54th Malaysia Day on Sept 16.
Ideally, it must last for generations. Regardless of their backgrounds and professions,
Malaysians must fulfil their
responsibility to maintain unity, as emphasised by the theme of this year’s National Day celebrations, Negaraku, Sehati Sejiwa (My Country, One Heart One Soul).
I also want to commend the initiatives taken by local companies to produce National Day television commercials based on the themes of sporting spirit and unity.
Petronas has portrayed inter-racial ties through its diverse characters, which include former badminton players Rashid Sidek and Foo Kok Keong.
While we are in a joyous mood celebrating our athletes’ success, I hope Malaysians can tone down ethnic, religious and political identities to create a Bangsa Malaysia.
I believe that being a Malaysian does not make anyone less Malay, Chinese, Indian, Kadazan or Iban, and they should start accepting each other as Malaysians regardless of race and religion.
As shown in the National Day advertisements, we should be proud to identify ourselves first as Malaysians.
Unity should begin with individuals and every Malaysian should strengthen it by speaking in one voice that represents all Malaysians.
We need to be cautious because unity can be a fragile thread that breaks easily or a powerful anchor that holds the nation steady. The choice is ours.
I also hope more companies will emulate Eco World Development Group Bhd, which has organised the #AnakAnakMalaysia
campaign for the third time this year.
Such a campaign could take our nation to greater heights and help Malaysians rekindle their patriotic spirit.
The private sector’s involvement through their corporate social responsibility will help the government instil patriotism, sporting spirit and unity in the people.
This is the time for Malaysians to stand up and be counted in furthering the cause of a united nation.
What we are experiencing reminds me of the burning spirit and deep love for the country in the Aku Negaraku song, the theme song for the Negaraku initiative.
Negaraku is aimed at igniting the spirit of patriotism and helping people develop Malaysia into a more prosperous nation.
Sung by Hafiz Suip and Jaclyn Victor, Aku Negaraku (I Am Malaysia) is a reminder that we are the ones who play an important role in building a successful country.
I believe that we must boost the spirit of patriotism among Malaysians, as mentioned in Aku Negaraku:
Negaraku tanah tumpah darahku
Kita bersama membina masa depan
Semangat setinggi angkasa
Kita bersama bersyukur pada Tuhan
KepadaNYA kita berserah
TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE
Trustee, 1Malaysia Foundation