Tun Sambanthan's Legacy Still Guides Unity Policies
He said Sambanthan's inclusive approach proved that Malaysia's ethnic diversity is not a barrier, but a strength that should be celebrated and embraced.
'Tun Sambanthan envisioned Malaysia's future not in colour, race or language, but through a shared commitment to nation-building. He was a leader who rose above racial lines in pursuit of national ideals,' he said when officiating the Commemorating Tun V.T. Sambanthan: Malaysia's First National Unity Minister programme here today.
Also present were Deputy National Unity Minister K. Saraswathy, National Archives director-general Datuk Jaafar Sidek Abdul Rahman and members of the late leader's family.
Aaron said that as the first National Unity Minister, Sambanthan laid the foundation for early policies that upheld national harmony as a key pillar of society.
'He believed unity was not merely a slogan, but a way of life that must be instilled from a young age, strengthened within society and embedded in national policies,' he said.
Aaron added that although there was no formal body like today's National Unity Advisory Council during Sambanthan's time, his efforts to promote interethnic dialogue laid important groundwork for current approaches to unity.
He also urged the younger generation to emulate Sambanthan's leadership, rooted in service and sincerity.
'To Malaysia's youth, Tun Sambanthan's legacy offers key lessons. First, leadership is not about position or power, but about service and integrity. Second, in an increasingly complex world, we must defend the values of inclusivity and justice,' he said.
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