Kuala lumpur: Unity does not mean uniformity, but about standing together despite differences, said Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai. Speaking at the Wesley Methodist School Kuala Lumpur International’s (WMSKLI) Unity Day 2025 here today, he said the annual event served as an important reminder of the values that bind the nation, highlighting how Malaysia’s strength lies in its diversity.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Wong emphasized the importance of focusing on the shared values that unite Malaysians, such as compassion, respect, and kindness. He noted that the majority of Malaysians inherently believe in unity, harmony, and mutual respect, and encouraged the public to resist divisive rhetoric from a small minority.
Wong, who is also a National Journalism Laureate, further stated that unity involves recognizing, valuing, and supporting one another. This can be achieved by listening with empathy, helping without being asked, and standing together, particularly during challenging times.
The event was officiated by Human Resources Minister Steven Sim and attended by Methodist Council of Education (MCOE) private education director Lim Kah Cheng and WMSKLI principal Wong Chee Kheon. During the event, Sim launched WMSKLI’s polygenre anthology book on unity, titled “The Recipe for Malaysia’s Success.” The book was recognized by the Malaysia Book of Records as the first bilingual polygenre anthology on unity published by a school.
The anthology features an array of literary genres, including pantun, syair, gurindam, poems, anecdotes, short stories, and articles, all written bilingually by students, educators, and 30 guest writers. Contributors include notable figures such as Senator Datuk Seri Prof Emeritus Dr Awang Sariyan, social activist Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, and veteran actress Datuk Rosnani Jamil.
Meanwhile, MCOE’s private education director Lim Kah Cheng remarked that the production of the book is a step toward changing public perception of international schools, which are often seen as lacking a Malaysian identity. Lim added that this initiative demonstrates that such schools can instill patriotism and uphold the use of the Malay language among students.