Kuala lumpur: From gotong-royong (community clean-ups) and visiting neighbours to volunteering in local patrols – everyday activities involving people of all races are essential to keeping unity alive in Malaysia. Experts and NGO leaders agree that racial harmony should not be a seasonal campaign, but a continuous way of life – and everyone, not just the government, has a role to play.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, National Malay Language Icon Lim San Shien emphasized that unity must go beyond speeches and ceremonies. Lim stated, “Unity isn’t something that happens only on stage. It needs to be lived through daily activities – clean-ups, community sports, free tuition, even urban farming.” He believes these efforts should be part of a national culture, led by local communities, youth groups, and neighborhood organizations.
Lim, who also serves as Johor’s Unity Ambassador, advocated for cultural programs like wayang kulit, patriotic films, historical theatre, and ethnic fashion shows to become permanent fixtures of Unity Week. These should not be once-a-year attractions but regular events at local and state levels. He also called for more intellectual forums, interfaith dialogues, and historical discussions to deepen understanding and promote respect between ethnic groups.
Youth, Lim added, should be empowered as “unity agents” through fun, inclusive programs such as Unity Explorace, ethnic games, and cultural mural projects that bring different generations together.
Meanwhile, Dr. Anuar Ahmad from the Malaysian Inclusive Development and Advancement Institute (MINDA-UKM) suggested that past national crises, such as floods or the COVID-19 pandemic, be highlighted as real-life examples of unity, showing how Malaysians stood together in tough times. He noted that many young people understand unity in theory but not in practice and need more opportunities for real interaction with others from different backgrounds to cultivate respect, compassion, and tolerance.
Deputy president of Pertubuhan Perdana Nasional, Muhammad Mukmin Nusril, mentioned that the upcoming Unity Week 2025 in Penang will be a vital platform to build unity awareness, especially among youth. He proposed a diverse lineup that includes multicultural exhibitions, youth forums, traditional performances, unity sports, cross-cultural stage plays, and open dialogues. He also highlighted the importance of grassroots-level engagement through clean-ups, traditional games, cooking contests, and festive gatherings to bring neighbors of different races and faiths together.
Prof Datuk Teo Kok Seong, a fellow at the National Professors Council, added that national unity should not aim to erase differences but instead celebrate Malaysia’s cultural and religious diversity as a shared strength. He urged for Unity Week to spark long-term efforts driven by education, civil society, and the media.
The Unity Week 2025 national-level celebration kicks off on July 17 at the Penang State Stadium grounds in Batu Kawan and runs for four days. Among the attractions are the “Rumah Kami” exhibition, showcasing the customs, culture, and food of various ethnic groups; ethnic villages highlighting Kadazan Dusun and Orang Asli heritage; MADANI sales; a 50 percent police summons discount; and security and military asset displays.
The event will also feature a star-studded concert lineup including Datuk Awie, Stacy, Jaclyn Victor, Black Hanifah, Inteam, Suki Low, Hijjaz, and more – along with a Battle of the Bands, mass workouts with ERA radio hosts, and meet-and-greet sessions with local celebrities such as Wany Hasrita, Amira Othman, Ryan Bakery, and Eric Fuzzy.