Malaysia Day, the establishment of Malaysia, a nation until then known as Malaya.

Our Independence Father, the first Prime Minister of our nation YAM Tunku Abdul Rahman Al Haj who was the pillar for formation of Malaysia.

Then Malaya with Malays, Chinese and Indians were the main races. Malaysia added to it, Sabah and Sarawak joined us with their regional races particularly the Kadazans, Dayaks and others. Singapore was in the formation but left on 9 August 1965.

The formation of Malaysia got a new culture to the multi nation.

Malaysia Day: Guided by Thirukkural’s wisdom on unity and patriotism

As Malaysia commemorates its National Day of unity and independence on September 16, it serves as an occasion for all Malaysians to reflect on the shared values, struggles, and hopes that have shaped this nation.

Malaysia Day holds special significance for those who see this day not merely as a historical milestone but as a celebration of unity in diversity.

For the Malaysian Indian community, it is an opportunity to reaffirm their sense of belonging to this beautiful land while reflecting on their unique contribution to the nation’s history.

Malaysia Day, the day signifies more than just the signing of documents and political agreements; it marks the forging of a new nation from diverse cultures, religions, and ethnicities.

The Malaysian Indian community has been an integral part of this fabric, contributing to the development of the nation from the early days of its formation.

Indians, primarily of Tamil origin, arrived in Malaya in large numbers during British colonisation, playing vital roles in the rubber industry, civil service, and education.

Their sweat, toil, and dreams helped lay the foundation for modern Malaysia, and their sacrifices, often overlooked, are an essential part of the nation’s history.

As the community continues to evolve, their commitment to national unity and prosperity remains unwavering.

Malaysia’s strength lies in its diversity, and the community has always believed in this principle.

While the nation is home to many cultures, languages, and religions, Malaysians share a common aspiration for peace, development, and justice.

The people, guided by their rich cultural heritage, contribute to this vision with their traditions of wisdom, resilience, and integrity.

As the revered poet Thiruvalluvar reminds us in the Thirukkural:

“Righteousness will yield a perpetual harvest of happiness, without the need for any external support.” (Kural 120)

This verse emphasises the importance of self-discipline and righteousness, reflecting the Malaysian community’s dedication to justice and integrity.

The community sees Malaysia Day as a time to renew their commitment to the country’s ideals of fairness and harmony.

Patriotism is not simply about remembering the past; it is about building a better future. For the Malaysian, patriotism involves a commitment to the nation’s growth and development, despite the challenges faced.

Many Malaysians are actively involved in areas of education, business, and social welfare, striving to contribute to the collective progress of the country.

Every Malaysian has a part to play in ensuring the nation’s prosperity, and the Malaysian community stands firm in this collective responsibility.

While Malaysia Day is a celebration, it is also a time for reflection on the challenges that persist.

Issues such as racial inequality, economic disparity, and unequal opportunities remain.

For many, particularly those from the lower-income group, the struggle for equitable access to education, employment, and resources continues to be a concern.

As Malaysians, we must continue to embrace one another’s differences, work towards justice, and uplift the marginalised.

On Malaysia Day, let us all renew our commitment to ensuring that our actions strengthen the bonds between us, fostering an environment of mutual respect and care

For the Malaysian, Malaysia Day is a time to reflect on the past and look forward to the future with hope and determination.

It is a day to celebrate the nation we call home, a place where different cultures come together in unity.

As we celebrate this special day, let us remind ourselves that the true essence of patriotism lies in our love for the country, our dedication to justice, and our commitment to ensuring a better future for all Malaysian.

Maju Malaysia – Malaysia Boleh!

(Datuk SM Periasamy is Managing Director of Tamil Malar Daily.)