Unity not optional but a national requirement, says Anwar

The Star

2 days ago

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (pic) has stressed that national unity is no longer an option but a key requirement to ensure continued development.
He said unity is the foundation of development and a catalyst for progress.
"Malaysia will only remain strong if we stand together, united.
"Stability and national unity are the basic conditions for all progress. In a world that is rapidly changing and full of challenges, unity is not an option, it is a necessity," he said in his congratulatory speech in conjunction with the official birthday celebration of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, at Istana Negara here on Monday (June 2).
Anwar said the government, under the auspices and guidance of His Majesty, will continue to be committed to implementing a comprehensive reform agenda based on the Madani principles.
"Materialistic development alone is certainly not enough. In fact, it must be balanced with human values, social justice and human kindness," said the Prime Minister.
He emphasised that the development of infrastructure and public facilities should not be limited to mega projects like the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) and the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ).
Instead, equal attention must be given to upgrading and enhancing essential services such as schools, hospitals and transport networks.
"The people are not only promised hope, but also protected tangibly and continuously,' he said.
The Prime Minister also emphasised that the strategy to increase the people's income would continue to be driven through economic structural reforms, the influx of high-quality investments and the strengthening of the technology and innovation ecosystem.
He said every citizen should have the opportunity to progress, regardless of racial or cultural background. – Bernama