Kuala lumpur: The meaning of independence must be reflected in people's lives by ensuring they have access to skills, better employment opportunities and are not left behind in the nation's development, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said. Ahmad Zahid highlighted that the current struggle is not about achieving independence itself, but about ensuring its essence remains vibrant in the daily lives of the people.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid emphasized the importance of equipping young people with skills, particularly Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) skills, to secure well-paying jobs in the future. In a National Day video message posted on Facebook, he explained that independence should foster opportunities for small entrepreneurs and enable families to improve their living standards. He also stressed the government's role in protecting citizens during disasters and aiding in recovery efforts.
Ahmad Zahid, who also serves as the Rural and Regional Development Minister, noted the ministry's responsibility to extend national development beyond city limits to reach villages and rural areas. He remarked that a nation's greatness is defined by the people it includes in its development journey, reflecting on how infrastructure like roads and electricity can transform communities and nurture aspirations.
He further elaborated that independence signifies more than a historical date; it is a journey of building confidence, determining the future, and upholding the dignity of the populace. Ahmad Zahid also highlighted the significance of the halal industry in elevating Malaysia's global standing and providing economic opportunities.
In tandem, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof called on Malaysians to unite against division, hatred, prejudice, and extremism. In his own Facebook post, he reminded citizens that independence transcends freedom from colonial rule, requiring a sustained spirit of unity and harmony.
Fadillah stressed the importance of preserving Malaysian identity amidst global changes and challenges. He urged citizens to uphold unity, respect diversity, and embrace the principles of the Federal Constitution and Rukun Negara, embodying the Malaysia MADANI spirit for an inclusive society.
He concluded by encouraging Malaysians to manifest the true meaning of independence through actions that promote unity, harmony, and integrity, emphasizing the theme of this year's National Day celebration, "Malaysia MADANI: Well-being for All."